Perceptions of the ‘Other’ Residents: Implications for Attitudes of Tourism Development Focused on the Minority Ethnic Group

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study utilizes the Emotional Solidarity Scale (ESS) to examine the relationship between ethnic majority (Japanese) and minority (Brazilian) residents living in Oizumi, Japan. Results revealed significant differences in nine of the 10 ESS items. Resulting ESS factors from confirmatory factor analysis were then found to predict six of the eight models among Japanese residents (versus only two among Brazilian residents) which explained perceptions of tourism focused on Brazilian culture. Results suggest emotional solidarity among disparate ethnic groups living in the community to be a key construct to consider when investigating residents’ support for ethnic enclave tourism.