The power dynamics in local–tourist interactions

Ji Zhang and Hong-gang Xu

Annals of Tourism Research, 2023, vol. 98, issue C

Abstract: By redefining and classifying power from the perspective of the power recipient, this article contributes to the study of host–guest interactions and power in symbolic interactionism. This study analyzes voluntary power by focusing on the role identity shifting games and power dynamics between locals and tourists in an ethnic tourism context. The results show that locals are not necessarily disadvantaged and passive in their interactions with tourists; instead, they often initiate and navigate shifts in social roles by switching definition of situations to realize their relative power and increase the profits of their home business. Finally, this article concludes with a discussion of voluntary power strategies and the difference between power and status from the perspective of power bases.

Keywords: Power; Voluntary power; Role identity; Host–guest interaction; Ethnic tourism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:anture:v:98:y:2023:i:c:s0160738322001608

DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2022.103509

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