To the Point
The Rise of the Sharing Economy
The consumer economy is facing a challenge from the "sharing economy." Will new, Internet companies disrupt traditional business patterns or will they just fade away?
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenThe consumer economy is facing a challenge from what's called the "sharing economy," a new way of introducing people who own things to people who need to use them. On this archived edition of To the Point, will new, Internet companies disrupt traditional patterns of doing business or will they just fade away? Also, business interests find Tea Party candidates don't always share their goals, and worker advocates filling the void left by weakened labor unions.
Banner Image: TaskRabbit
In this episode
3 storiesBusiness Finds Tea Party Candidates Don't Always Share Goals
Business groups were among those who helped dozens of Tea Party Republicans sweep into Congress. But now as lawmakers get ready to head back to the Capitol, business groups are wondering if those economic fundamentalists they helped elect are working against an important business interest: a functioning government.
Read the story7 minThe Rise of the Sharing Economy
Welcome to what's called "collaborative consumption" with Internet companies like Airbnb , RelayRides , Liquid Space and TaskRabbit . They're providing access to things you want without the burden of ownership — cars, houses, tools, garage space — even leftover food.
Read the story35 minAs Unions Shrink, Worker Centers Fill the Void
On this Labor Day there's no denying that the labor movement is not what it used to be. But there are groups that are filling the void left by declining union membership. Some 225 "worker centers" have sprung up to focus on America's 22 million immigrant workers, both legal and undocumented.
Read the story8 min
