Hitchhiking as an Alternative System of Spatial Mobility

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of dominant and alternative mobility systems in contemporary world. It is emphasized that mobility can be both real and potential actions in their connection with social relations in space and time. Mobility cannot exist without human need or desire to be at a certain time in a certain place. These factors lead to various types of mobility systems. It is noted that the mobility system is a complex of social relations and material infrastructure that make a certain type of spatial movement possible, repetitive and predictable. Any action or movement is possible only as part of a specific mobility system. In the modern world, there are dominant institutionally fastened mobility systems. One of the most common of these is the tourism system. The article analyzes some theoretical approaches to the study of tourism presented in the works of such scientists as Z. Bauman, J. Urry, T. Veblen and others. The attention is focused on the fact that the tourism system is highly influenced by market relations. Tourism has become a product of conspicuous consumption and one of the factors of social inequality reproduction at the same time. It is emphasized that there are alternative spatial mobility systems that are excluded from market logic. One of the most common alternative spatial mobility systems is hitchhiking, that is, the practice of free travel on passing nonscheduled vehicles with the consent of the driver. The features of the functioning of spatial mobility systems in the modern world are investigated. The properties of the dominant and alternative mobility systems are considered, as well as the differences between them are also analyzed. It has been revealed that alternative spatial mobility systems are built upon personalized trust relationships. Conclusion is made that hitchhiking performs the function of social integration.