Upstream Documentary #1: The Sharing Economy?
Feb 6, 2016
Doug Henwood, a seasoned journalist and economic analyst, joins Keely McBride, a politics professor studying the sharing economy, and Dale Carlson, a business consultant with insights on short-term rental regulation. They discuss the impact of platforms like Airbnb and Uber on housing crises and worker rights in cities like San Francisco. David Korman, a Lyft driver, shares his firsthand experience navigating gig economy challenges. Together, they explore the complexities of the sharing economy, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and community-driven solutions.
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Lyft as Flexible Income Glue
- David Korman relies on Lyft as essential glue to supplement his income flexibly.
- He balances arts and food service jobs with Lyft driving to pay bills without fixed schedules.
Reality vs. Sharing Economy Hype
- The "sharing economy" term glorifies platforms like Uber, Lyft, Airbnb as facilitating connections and reducing waste.
- However, the reality includes commercial work and monetized services, not pure sharing.
Gig Economy Replaces "Sharing"
- Experts prefer 'gig economy' to 'sharing economy' to emphasize non-extended, precarious work gigs.
- The term better reflects the nature of companies like Uber rather than altruistic sharing.