The promise of the Sharing Economy among Disadvantaged Communities

Why did we select this research? 

Past research states the importance of networking and having the right connections to find employment. However, in lower-income areas, individuals are often disconnected from outside communities and even experience distrust within their own communities. Considering these disconnections, lack of trust, unemployment, and low-income, the sharing economy could potentially play a positive role in the economic development of disadvantaged communities. 

Key Findings

• Promise for potential benefits of the sharing economy in disadvantaged communities. All participants believed that the sharing economy applications could help with employment and/or saving money. 

• Participants were aware of sharing economy applications

• Idling capacity or access to spare resources was not identified as a major concern

• A sharing economy is not new to disadvantaged communities, but what is new, is that they have trust in technology to support the sharing economy

• Participants distrusted aspects of the sharing economy related to monetary transactions and to sharing their personal data

• Participants described having more trust if a personal connection referred them to the application or service

• A need for balanced reciprocity, collective efficacy and income generation for the sharing economy to work best among marginalized communities. 

• Individuals in disadvantaged communities requested linking ties to foster economic development. The promotion of vertical associations and a link to financial capital could lead to economic growth. 

Reference

Dillahunt, T. & Malone, A. (2015) The promise of the Sharing Economy among Disadvantaged Communities. 

http://www.tawannadillahunt.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pn0389-dillahuntv2.pdf