Sharing economy or rampant capitalism? On the commodification of hospitality
Anspach, Mark R.
Sharing economy or rampant capitalism? On the commodification of hospitality - 2019.
85
Traditional hospitality is a gift that, like all gifts, exists within a framework of reciprocity. The travel platform Airbnb claims to revive old-fashioned hospitality through the practice of home sharing. In reality, Airbnb delivers travelers to landlords like so many commodities. The rating mechanism used by the site is supposed to make up for the lack of state regulation. We show that it displays the two sides of reciprocity found in stateless societies: gift and vengeance. On the one hand, guests are spontaneously generous; on the other hand, they act under the threat of reprisals. As a result, the published reviews paint an overly rosy picture of the offered lodgings.
Sharing economy or rampant capitalism? On the commodification of hospitality - 2019.
85
Traditional hospitality is a gift that, like all gifts, exists within a framework of reciprocity. The travel platform Airbnb claims to revive old-fashioned hospitality through the practice of home sharing. In reality, Airbnb delivers travelers to landlords like so many commodities. The rating mechanism used by the site is supposed to make up for the lack of state regulation. We show that it displays the two sides of reciprocity found in stateless societies: gift and vengeance. On the one hand, guests are spontaneously generous; on the other hand, they act under the threat of reprisals. As a result, the published reviews paint an overly rosy picture of the offered lodgings.
Réseaux sociaux