“A Give and A Take”: Lived Experiences in a Real Sharing Economy

Author

Lauren F. Phipps, Pitzer CollegeFollow

Graduation Year

2015

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Environmental Analysis

Second Department

Sociology

Reader 1

Melinda Herrold-Menzies

Reader 2

Phil Zuckerman

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2015 Lauren F Phipps

Abstract

This thesis contrasts a “real” sharing economy with the commonly held understanding of this new mode of exchange. By examining the lived experiences within a successful example of sharing, we can see its true value and acknowledge where other businesses fall short. Based on in-depth interviews with users of freecycle.org, this thesis illustrates the importance of motivation within a real sharing economy, highlighting the existence of generalized reciprocity, the value of community, and altruism between members of this gifting platform.

Recommended Citation

Phipps, Lauren F., "“A Give and A Take”: Lived Experiences in a Real Sharing Economy" (2015). Pitzer Senior Theses. 61.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/pitzer_theses/61