Abstract
Using the four-part framework of mediation, model, mobilization , and wealth effects, we analyze the case of the sharing economy. The digital technology used to mediate the sharing economy platforms has evolved to attract and maintain the trust of a diversity of buyers and sellers, while meeting the expectations of multi-billion dollar investors. The sharing economy model was often in conflict with local regulations when it began, so developing a capacity for regulatory change has been a key mobilization challenge. In contrast to its communitarian roots, the business model of the sharing economy has raised massive amounts of capital from wealthy investors, but has yet to create substantial operating profits. The ultimate effects on wealth inequality remain to be seen, but evidence of significant wealth decentralization is difficult to find.
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Allen, J.P. (2017). Technology and Inequality Case Study: The Sharing Economy. In: Technology and Inequality. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56958-1_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56958-1_8
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