Shagaluf: reality television and British working class heterosexuality on holiday in Mallorca

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper draws from British reality television to further understand young people's touristic behaviours, actions and identities in Magaluf, Mallorca. The paper utilises thematic analysis in researching the content and imagery of three British reality television programmes and one documentary filmed in Magaluf and adds to the under-researched and limited work on reality television and theoretical understandings concerning the relationship between reality television and destination image. In this focus, the paper will also contribute to emerging ideas concerning how stigma of place(s), as represented through reality television, may serve as an important attraction, rather than a deterrent, to other young people who wish to have the type of holiday or experiences as portrayed on television. Finally, through a particular focus on performances of heterosexuality within the programmes discussed, this paper adds new understandings to the limited work on young men's heterosexualities within all male friendship networks on holiday.