Socio-Political Dynamics of Airbnb and the Platform Economy

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors present a theoretical framework to not only better understand the wicked nature of the Airbnb phenomenon but also, using case examples from around the world, to illustrate how governments have attempted to mitigate Airbnb’s negative impacts.

Analysing the sharing economy, specifically the Airbnb platform, through the lens of Karl Polanyi’s Double Movement Theory, brings growing tension between markets and society into sharp relief. In the ensuing sections of this chapter, the authors will then adopt a ‘wicked problem’ perspective to provide some analytical insights into how governments across the world have attempted to respond to this wicked policy problem and explore different policy responses and regulatory frameworks in greater depth. Through the review of exemplary cases from around the world, considerable variation in governance and policy responses could be identified.

Citation

Pforr, C., Pforr, A.F. and Volgger, M. (2024), "Socio-Political Dynamics of Airbnb and the Platform Economy", Pforr, C., Pillmayer, M., Joppe, M., Scherle, N. and Pechlaner, H. (Ed.) Tourism Policy-Making in the Context of Contested Wicked Problems: Politics, Paradigm Shifts and Transformation Processes (Advances in Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 17B), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 219-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1871-31732024000017B013