The Reseller Immersion Syllabus


Reselling Futures is an academic research initiative that investigates how algorithmic ecosystems are entwined with labor practices in online reselling. We are guided by theories in feminist economics and the future of work to promote more equitable and sustainable marketplaces.

The diary study section of the Reseller Immersion is structured around four weekly themes. Each week, participants respond daily to a prompt designed to explore their experiences with reselling, examining both the labor involved and the social and technical aspects of their work.




Week One: Themes in Feminist Economics

We review key concepts of feminist economics and intersectionality. Some themes this week are: time, alternative economies and intersectional experiences in reselling.

Key Concepts: Feminist Economics, Time poverty, Care work, Time Use, Intersectionality, Aspirational Labor


DAY ONE

Intersectionality

DAY TWO
Intro to Feminist Economics

DAY THREE
Time-use & Wellbeing

DAY FOUR
Time Allocation

DAY FIVE
The Stuff we Resell

Week Two: The Future of Work/Algorithms in Secondhand

This week we review concepts from the “The Future of Work”, a theme of the Human-Computer-Interaction field that explores the roles of technologies like the influence of computing technologies like AI and Machine Learning in work arrangements.

Key Concepts: Information Asymmetry, Algorithms, Algorithmic/Platformic governance, Platformic Torque, Algorithms in platforms, Recommendation systems, Image Processing and Moderation


DAY SIX

Algorithmic Ecosystems in Reselling


DAY SEVEN

Algorithms in Reselling

DAY EIGHT

Algorithms in Reselling

DAY NINE
“The Algorithm”



Week Three: Secondhand Fictions & Futures

Diving into a creative set of methodologies revolving around fiction and futures, we immerse ourselves in imaginative activities around secondhand, reflecting on the themes we explored in previous weeks.

Key Concepts: Speculative Fiction, Design Fiction, Prefigurative Politics, Infrastructural Design Fictions.


DAY TEN

Futures and Fictions

DAY ELEVEN

Item Obituaries

DAY TWELVE
Reseller Rituals

DAY THIRTEEN
Infrastructural Speculations
Week Four: Fiction for Collective Action

Drawing on our reflections, fictions, and collective process, we will develop ideas for collective action and capacity building within these economies.

Key Concepts: Solidarity Economies, Decolonial Feminist Economics, Collective Capacity



DAY FOURTEEN

Automation in Reselling

DAY FIFTEEN
Ethics of Reselling