Sociology
The Commodification of Authenticity in the Experience Economy
Quick fact
In the experience economy, authenticity has become a commodity: businesses increasingly stage and sell 'real' experiences, such as guided tours of 'unchanged' villages or 'traditional' cooking classes, which often transform local cultures to meet tourist expectations.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably paid extra for a cup of coffee in a café that feels 'artisanal' or 'authentic.' But what does that word really promise, and can it be bought or sold?