Modes of Hospitality: The diversity of Airbnb hosting

This study examines the diverse practices of Airbnb hosting, identifying five distinct modes that challenge traditional boundaries between public and private spheres. Through qualitative research with 33 hosts in Copenhagen and Philadelphia, the research explores how these modes emerge from complex interactions between social relations, housing, and economic motivations. The findings contribute to understanding of the evolving nature of platform economies by revealing the pluralistic and performative dimensions of hospitality work. The research argues for a nuanced approach to Airbnb that considers the interplay between hosting performances and local urban contexts.