Final answer:
The "sharing economy" refers to a system where goods and services are shared between individuals, often facilitated by online platforms, and can involve monetary exchange. It integrates aspects of historical bartering and modern capitalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "sharing economy" refers to an economic model characterized by peer-to-peer sharing of access to goods and services, often facilitated by online platforms. The correct answer to the question 'What is meant by the "sharing economy"?' would be A. A system where resources are exchanged without payment. However, this definition might be incomplete as the sharing economy can also involve monetary transactions; users typically pay to rent or borrow assets owned by someone else.
Historically, bartering was a form of exchange before the introduction of money, where people directly traded goods or services. In contrast, the capitalism system involves private ownership and the generation of profits. The sharing economy can be seen as blending aspects of these concepts, leveraging technology to facilitate transactions.
Examples of the sharing economy include ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, where car rides are shared, and accommodation-sharing services like Airbnb, where individuals rent out their living spaces. This system is part of a modern trend towards collaborative consumption and often provides more flexible economic opportunities for those who participate.