Scale theory and tourism destination development: Towards a new theoretical tool

Abstract

As a complicated research context for scalar politics, tourism destination development involves endless contradictions and competing interests among stakeholders but has seldom been examined. In applying scale theory (or the theory of scalar politics), this study examines the processes and patterns of complex transnational power games in the Qiaoxiang among Chinese stakeholders. It showcases how the scale theory facilitates the deconstruction of the conflict-laden process of tourism place development. Based on the extended case study on the property expropriation of the Guan Library in Qiaoxiang, a “vertical-horizontal-expression” scale framework was outlined. Drawing upon 91 interviews amid participant and non-participant observations, the vertical scale of domestic bureaucracy acts as a rigid scale determining the outcome. In contrast, the horizontal scale between clan social networks at home and abroad functions as a flexible scale influencing stakeholders’ strategy and decision-making. Prying and gaining support from higher vertical scales is key to achieving a shift in power games. By reflecting on the possible legal and institutional limitations in power games, this study reveals the complex social network relations through the special transnational geographic space, filling the gap with new inspirations for the development and governance of diaspora tourism.