Cultural conflict, tourism

Abstract

A cultural conflict is a dislike, hostility, or struggle between communities who have different philosophies and ways of living, resulting in contradictory aspirations and behaviors. The notion originates from sociological conflict theories and anthropological concepts of intercultural relations. Intensive development of tourism as part of globalizing trends often leads to rapid changes in local cultures of “exotic” territories. The negative consequences of modernization contribute to the intensification of conflicts caused by alternative perceptions of the world determined by different systems of cultural values and beliefs. Including axio-normative conditions, cultural conflicts are often provoked by the socioeconomic situation in given communities. For a conflict to occur, there must be a direct interaction between at least two different cultures. In tourism this often occurs on the hostguest axis and may arise from tourists’ expectations towards the product. Theymay be caused by differences between tourists themselves (Reisinger and Turner 2003) or associated with historical and geopolitical intercultural relations (Stein 2008). Furthermore, stereotypes, prejudice, and culture shock are important factors which may lead to conflict (Hottola 2004). The sources of a conflict are often difficult to determine, as it may be caused not so much by contradictory aspirations, as by the mere conviction about the contradiction. As a resolution, a mediator may play an important role as an uninvolved person respected and trusted by parties in conflicts. This would lead to negotiations, avoidance of struggles, and search for compromise through dialogue. The majority of cultural conflicts are resolved in the company of local authorities, community members, nongovernmental organizations, and ▶ tour operators. Tourism research has led to a deeper reflection on cultural contact and communication. Analyses of different types of cultural conflict have contributed to a deepened discussion on forms of preservation of traditional cultures and protection of cultural heritage (Robinson and Boniface 1999). Additionally cultural conflicts make one reflect on the limits of tourism ▶ development and raise ethical questions regarding traveling. Should the cultural relativism existing in hostguest contacts be kept? Can or should traditional cultures be modernized through tourism development? Cultural conflict prevention involves developing intercultural competences and tolerance of cultural Otherness, in both tourists (going