Digital nomads: A new form of leisure class?

Bonneau, C.; Aroles, J.

doi:10.1017/9781108865814.011

Digital nomads: A new form of leisure class?

Bonneau, C.; Aroles, J.

Authors

C. Bonneau

J. Aroles

Contributors

Jeremy Aroles jeremy.aroles@durham.ac.uk
Editor

Francois-Xavier de Vaujany
Editor

Karen Dale
Editor

Abstract

Digital nomadism refers to a mobile lifestyle in which freelancers, digital entrepreneurs and remote workers combine work with continuous travel. In this chapter, we draw from Veblen’s Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) to explore whether digital nomads can be seen to constitute a new form of leisure class. In particular, this entails problematising digital nomadism through four dimensions, namely differentiation, emulation, visibility and institutionalisation. Drawing from a qualitative analysis of the mainstream promotional discourse underlying digital nomadism, we show the existence of a whole set of economic activities based on selling a dreamed work/lifestyle to others. These commercial propositions, which rely on online storytelling and visibility, constitute efficient means of emulation that contribute to framing images of success. Our ‘Veblen-inspired’ analysis, we contend, generates a source of questions not only relevant to the study of digital nomadism, but also to miscellaneous aspects of the new world of work.

Citation

Bonneau, C., & Aroles, J. (2021). Digital nomads: A new form of leisure class?. In J. Aroles, F. de Vaujany, & K. Dale (Eds.), Experiencing the New World of Work (157-177). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108865814.011

Online Publication Date	Dec 24, 2021
Publication Date	Jan 21, 2021
Deposit Date	Jan 13, 2021
Publicly Available Date	Jun 24, 2021
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Pages	157-177
Book Title	Experiencing the New World of Work
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108865814.011
Public URL	https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1626258

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Copyright Statement
This material has been published in Experiencing the New World of Work edited by Aroles, Jeremy
de Vaujany, Francois-Xavier and
Dale, Karen. This version is free to view and download for personal use only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © Cambridge University Press.