Availability Cascades and the Sharing Economy: A Critique of Sharing Economy Narratives

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    Abstract

    As scholars search for a new concept that will provide answers on how modern societies should make sense of and resolve the social and environmental problems linked to our modes of production and consumption, the sharing economy is attracting increased attention. To better understand this emergent focus on a sharing economy and associated business and consumption models, this conceptual chapter applies cascade theory to some of the most pronounced narratives , suggesting a win-win scenario, especially as they relate to the claim of sustainability. Given academics, practitioners, and civil society’s shared history of (too) rapidly embracing new concepts that enable both business opportunities and a clear conscience, this chapter proposes that the implications of the sharing economy should be critically explored before it is actively promoted as the latest best fix.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSustainable Consumption : Design, Innovation and Practice
    EditorsAudley Genus
    Place of PublicationCham
    PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media
    Publication date2016
    Pages65-82
    Chapter5
    ISBN (Print)9783319296630
    ISBN (Electronic)9783319296654
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016
    SeriesThe Anthropocene: Politik—Economics—Society—Science
    Volume3
    ISSN2367-4024

    Keywords

    • Availability cascades
    • Availability entrepreneurs
    • Cascade theory
    • Sharing economy

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