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When is a Paradigm not a Paradigm?

Graham M. S. Dann (The University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway, Norway)

Tourism Research Paradigms: Critical and Emergent Knowledges

ISBN: 978-1-78350-929-4, eISBN: 978-1-78350-930-0

Publication date: 31 May 2016

Abstract

After briefly discussing the two major approaches to the study of tourism (theoretical “why” and practical “how”), and two of their respective protagonists (Tribe and Aramberri), the focus of this chapter turns to the use of paradigms by the former group. First, the meaning of paradigm is explored and examples are provided of paradigms and paradigm shifts in tourism research. However, Aramberri challenges this theoretical position by asserting that such ideological frameworks are not paradigms at all, and are, at best, postmodern mantras. He further argues that such muddled thinking can be overcome once tourism becomes a scientific discipline, a stance firmly rejected by the theoreticians. Thereafter, the use of the word “paradigm” is examined in relation to conferences, research, and shifts, as well as such major tourism perspectives as authenticity, strangerhood, play, and conflict.

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgment

This chapter is a substantially revised version of a paper entitled “Paradigms in Tourism Theory,” presented to a graduate seminar at the University of Tromsø, November 16–17, 2011.

Citation

Dann, G.M.S. (2016), "When is a Paradigm not a Paradigm?", Tourism Research Paradigms: Critical and Emergent Knowledges (Tourism Social Science Series, Vol. 22), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 57-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1571-504320150000022010

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited