An inter-ethnic interpretation of tourism conflicts and collaboration

Abstract

Inter-ethnic conflicts are commonplace worldwide, but current tourism conflict theories seldom examine disputes within a host community of diverse ethnicities. Using concepts from inter-group threat theory (ITT), contact hypothesis in social psychology and power theories, a conceptual schema for comprehending the dynamics of inter-ethnic conflicts and collaboration in tourism destinations is proposed. An ethnographic case study then follows the discussion in Malaysia's Taman Negara National Park, where I make use of the conceptual schema to analyze how the three local ethnic groups (Malays, Malaysian Chinese, and Orangasli Batek) were negotiating various types of threats, as well as the ‘conditions’ leading to inter-group conflicts. Further supported by Barth's ethnic boundary theory, the evolution of ethnic boundaries and collaborative mechanisms in a three-group situation is also evaluated. The conceptual schema and findings from Malaysia have important implications for researchers and management advice for practitioners dealing with multi-ethnic host communities in destinations worldwide.