Regulating the sharing economy

Erickson, K. and Sorensen, I. (2016) Regulating the sharing economy. Internet Policy Review, 5(2), pp. 1-15. (doi: 10.14763/2016.2.414)

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Abstract

In this introductory essay, we explore definitions of the ‘sharing economy’, a concept indicating both social (relational, communitarian) and economic (allocative, profit- seeking) aspects which appear to be in tension. We suggest that the sharing economy can be defined by its common features of network enabled, aggregated membership in a pool of offers and demands (for goods, services, creative expressions). This definition of the sharing economy distinguishes it from other related peer-to-peer and collaborative forms of production. Understanding the social and economic motivations for and implications of participating in the sharing economy is important to its regulation. Each of the papers in this special issue contributes to knowledge by linking the social and economic aspects of sharing economy practices to regulatory norms and mechanisms. We conclude this introductory essay by suggesting future research to further clarify and render intelligible the sharing economy, not as a contradiction in terms but as an empirically observable realm of socio-economic activity.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Introduction to the special issue.
Keywords:Sharing economy, gig economy, collaborative consumption, communication, peer-to-peer, sharing, regulation
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Erickson, Professor Kristofer and Sorensen, Dr Inge
Authors: Erickson, K., and Sorensen, I.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications
K Law > K Law (General)
T Technology > T Technology (General)
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
College of Social Sciences > School of Law
Journal Name:Internet Policy Review
Publisher:HIIG Berlin
ISSN (Online):2197-6775
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Internet Policy Review 5(2):1-15
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a creative commons license

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