The book delves into the evolving dynamics of hospitality, particularly through the lens of personal experiences with an aging innkeeper and a contemporary Airbnb hostess. It examines the complexities of the host-guest relationship, highlighting how the rise of platforms like Airbnb has reshaped expectations of generosity and accountability in the industry. Through these narratives, the author provides a poignant reflection on the changing standards of hospitality in today's society.
This volume explores recent developments in the practice of hospitality, as well as the curious, precarious relationship between guests and their hosts. Drawing from personal interactions with an aging innkeeper called Herr Klaus and modern Airbnb hostess Gretchen, Amitai Touval offers a touching and illuminating account of how the rise of Airbnb has forged new standards of generosity, hostility, and accountability. An Anthropological Study of Hospitality is a must-read for anyone who has wondered about the intricate social cues involved in such a seemingly simple exchange.