ARTICLE - CANDIDATE TRANSITION VARIABLES

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Id 126
Author Richards, G., ; Wilson , J.,
Title Social Capital, Cultural Festivals and Tourism in Catalunya
Reference
Richards, G.; Wilson, J. (2005). Social Capital, Cultural Festivals and Tourism in Catalunya. Anuario Turismo y Sociedad, 4: 170-181

Link to article https://ssrn.com/abstract=1512710
Abstract Many studies have highlighted the potentially damaging effects of tourism on local culture. Cultural events in particular seem to be one area of concern, as events visited by tourists may be viewed as “inauthentic” and lose their meaning for local residents. Such arguments tend to overlook the ability of local communities to use tourism creatively as a means of displaying and strengthening their local identity (Friedman, 1994). One of the most important indicators of the resilience of local communities is the level of social capital present in the host population, which is important in creating social cohesion and in ensuring a more even distribution of the benefits of tourism. This paper presents a study of social capital, local networks and tourism in Catalunya. Surveys of local residents and visitors attending fiestas indicate a relatively high level of social capital among local residents, particularly in terms of cultural association membership. There is a direct relationship between membership of associations, active participation in cultural events and positive attitudes towards cultural change and tourism. The research suggests that developing social capital may be one means of developing a more positive relationship between tourism and culture. The role of local associations and networks is crucial to this process.


Results:

Candidate transition variables
Was vital in underpinning a sense of community and social cohesion. .
One of the most important indicators of the resilience of local communities is the level of social capital present in the host population, which is important in creating social cohesion and in ensuring a more even distribution of the benefits of tourism. .
The research suggests that developing social capital may be one means of developing a more positive relationship between tourism and culture. .
Conclusion The basic conclusion of the research presented here is that social capital has an important role to play in making local cultural practices resilient to the impact of tourism, and also in creating positive relationships between locals and visitors. .
There is a direct relationship between membership of associations, active participation in cultural events and positive attitudes towards cultural change and tourism. .
The feeling of safety in public space was obviously of importance to the participants in underpinning feelings of happiness and freedom. .
This feeling is more readily converted into a feeling of pride in showing that culture to others if the level of social capital is higher. .
These figures serve to underline the important social structures that underpin the production and reproduction of culture in society. .