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A Community Perspective on Volunteer Tourism and Development in South Africa

Nelson, Erika Denise
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1279848801

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Arts, Miami University, Geography.
Since 1994, South Africa has become a major destination for volunteer tourism, an international phenomenon combining post-modern paradigms of civic engagement and alternative travel. Organizers claim that such service establishes reciprocity in traveler-host relations, transcends the impersonal nature of mass tourism, and contributes to sustainable development. This thesis draws from interviews and participatory methods at three case studies to evaluate these assertions from the community perspective. Results reveal that counter to popular assumptions, NGOs, providers and volunteers often fail to address local needs, contribute to poverty alleviation, or empower host communities. Unprepared travelers can inadvertently undermine local control in a way that perpetuates existing power structures. While the combination of travel and service has the potential to be transformational for both volunteers and South African communities, an elemental change in approach and priorities is needed before the goal of a new era of solidarity, service and post-development can be realized.
Thomas Klak, PhD (Advisor)
Danielson Kisanga, PhD (Committee Member)
Charles Stevens, PhD (Committee Member)
96 p.
African History; Geography; International Relations; Multicultural Education; Social Research
volunteer; tourism; development; South Africa; community

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nelson, E. D. (2010). A Community Perspective on Volunteer Tourism and Development in South Africa [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1279848801

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nelson, Erika. A Community Perspective on Volunteer Tourism and Development in South Africa. 2010. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1279848801.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nelson, Erika. "A Community Perspective on Volunteer Tourism and Development in South Africa." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1279848801

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1279848801
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© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.