TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 History A Matter of Trust 4 CHAPTER 2 Geography Around the Globe 10 CHAPTER 3 Civics Sharing Has Rules 16 CHAPTER 4 Economics Changing Attitudes 22 THINK ABOUT IT 30 FOR MORE INFORMATION 31 GLOSSARY 32 INDEX 32
CHAPTER 1 History A Matter of Trust Do you consider yourself a trustworthy person Do you trust others easily Those two questions have never been more important than they are in today’s sharing economy The sharing economy is part of daily life And it centers on trust Bartering IOUs and Sharing Most economies tend to be based on a simple idea you need something Someone has it and you have to find a way to get it According to historians past civilizations bartered for what they needed among people they didn’t trust With people they did trust like those within their own community these civilizations asked for goods or services with the understanding that the favor will 4 21st century skills library
The ancient Maya civilization bartered with cocoa beans be returned at a later date This is known as a gift economy These civilizations relied on a system in which to get what they needed they had to give something in return either immediately or potentially at a later date Today you most likely pay money in exchange for something you need The sharing economy has a slightly different focus You need something Someone has it and doesn’t use it very much But instead of selling it to you the person shares it for a reduced fee Just a few years ago today’s methods of sharing items or services would have sounded unbelievable Open your house to total 5 SHARING ECONOMY
