Three decades of tourism scholarship: Gender, collaboration and research methods. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nunkoo, Robin; Thelwall, Michael; Ladsawut, Jeynakshi; Goolaup, Sandhiya
• Is Part Of: Tourism management. Volume 78(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Authorship -- Collaboration -- Research methods -- Gender -- Bibliometric; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2019.104056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5177

Abstract

Abstract: Despite ongoing problems with gender inequalities in tourism, little is known about gender differences in first and solo authorships, collaboration, and choice of research approaches. This study analyzes these academic practices using 4973 articles (11, 033 authors) in three major tourism journals from 1990 to 2017. The results show evidence of gender homophilic collaboration behaviors. Gender heterogeneous co-authorships are becoming pervasive and seem to be driven by female first authors. Solo female researchers strongly associate with qualitative research. While male-only teams have the lowest likelihood of using qualitative research, the situation is more complex for gender heterogeneous teams. Practical suggestions derived from the findings for the gender equality agenda in tourism are discussed to promote more gender-diverse collaborations and female-led research. Highlights: There is a movement toward greater gender equality as female authorship rises. Evidence of gender homophilic collaboration, particularly among male authors. Gender heterogeneous co-authorship is increasing and driven by female first-authors. Solo female researchers strongly associate with qualitative research. Use of research methods by gender heterogeneous teams is complex.