"Managed evils" of hedonistic tourism in the Maldives: Islamic social representations and their mediation of local social exchange. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shakeela, Aishath; Weaver, David
• Is Part Of: Annals of tourism research. Volume 71(2018)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Islam -- Maldives -- Residents -- Social exchange theory -- Social representations theory; Tourism -- Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2018.04.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-7383

Abstract

Highlights: Engages religion as critical independent variable in resident tourism perceptions. Examines destination where conservative Islam co-exists with hedonistic tourism. Considers role of Islam in social exchange and social representation dynamics. Understands religion from grounded perspective in two different communities. Introduces concept of "Islamic pleasure periphery" as broader research context. Abstract: This paper explores resident attitudes toward tourism development in the Maldives. Findings from 50 semi-structured interviews and 200 household surveys collected in two island communities provide insights into the reconciliation of deeply held Islamic social representations with proximate hedonistic tourism. In the less tourism-affiliated island, religious affinity and social exchange were central as to how residents viewed tourism as an 'evil' from which their community should be insulated. In the more tourism-affiliated case, social exchange and social representations influenced how tourism is rationalised as a 'managed evil'.