Jiakang Zhang

Sociology Student
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Advisors
Dr. Mervyn Horgan and Dr. Andrew Nevin
Program
MA SOC
Research
Thesis Title: Technoscientific Capitalism in Housing Markets: Airbnb's Impact on Long-Term Rents in Toronto
A brief description: My research focuses on the impact of Airbnb on the long-term rental market in Toronto. By situating Airbnb at the intersection of housing, policy, and digital platforms, I try to answer why it has become the widespread short-term rental model seen today and why it can contribute to rising rents and housing prices. Then, by conducting quantitative research, I examine how this platform influences long-term rents in Toronto and the role policy has played.