hôtehaves

Hôtehaves is a term in speculative sociology and hospitality studies that denotes a subset of hosts who engage in hospitality practices that exceed ordinary expectations, creating intensive social exchanges and communal ties. The word is a portmanteau of hôte (French for host) and have, signaling the social value generated through generosity rather than financial gain. The concept emerged in early 21st-century discussions of the sharing economy and ethical hospitality, appearing in academic articles, blogs, and science fiction that explore future urban life.

Core features include a voluntary, reciprocity-based dynamic between hosts and guests; accumulation of reputational capital rather than material profit; emphasis on guest welfare, safety, cultural mediation, and emotional labor; practices such as time-sharing, resource pooling, and long-term community-building; and a norm of hospitality as a communal asset rather than a private service.

In application, hôtehaves are used to analyze both real-world initiatives—neighborhood hosting programs, volunteer hospitality networks—and fictional ecosystems in which host communities shape social space. Critics warn of potential exploitation, overburdened hosts, and the risk of coercive social expectations, especially where payment or legal protections are unclear. Proponents argue that the framework highlights ethical incentives and social resilience in dense, interconnected environments.

See also: hospitality ethics, sharing economy, host-guest reciprocity.