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Samoa's Culture, Tourism and Development: Exploring the Impact of Tourism Development on the Changing Fa'a Samoa

Kiddell, Elspeth LU (2012) MIDM71 20121
LUMID International Master programme in applied International Development and Management
Abstract
This thesis explores the interactions between tourism development and cultural values in the South Pacific nation of Samoa. As tourism is likely to remain a key strategy for the development of Samoa, this study explores the impact of such development on the cultural component of fa’a Samoa, or Samoa’s way of life, which varies quite significantly from Western, capitalist culture. The aim of the study is to shed light on the cultural implications of adopting tourism as a tool for economic development in Samoa, by exploring the cultural values and beliefs of accommodation sector workers. The theoretical concepts that have guided the study include Schein’s (2010) definition of culture, commodification of culture, cultural capital and Sen’s... (More)
This thesis explores the interactions between tourism development and cultural values in the South Pacific nation of Samoa. As tourism is likely to remain a key strategy for the development of Samoa, this study explores the impact of such development on the cultural component of fa’a Samoa, or Samoa’s way of life, which varies quite significantly from Western, capitalist culture. The aim of the study is to shed light on the cultural implications of adopting tourism as a tool for economic development in Samoa, by exploring the cultural values and beliefs of accommodation sector workers. The theoretical concepts that have guided the study include Schein’s (2010) definition of culture, commodification of culture, cultural capital and Sen’s (1999) Development as Freedom. Qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and participant observation were used to collect data from accommodation workers. The findings indicate that cultural changes are taking place with relation to the meaning ascribed to certain cultural artefacts. Focus is also shifting from the extended family to the immediate family and the individual. Ultimately the tourism industry is perceived to be having a predominantly positive impact on respondents’ lives and is not perceived as a threat to living a culturally rich life. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Kiddell, Elspeth LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIDM71 20121
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Samoa, culture, tourism, fa’a Samoa, cultural change, commodification of culture, cultural capital, development as freedom
language
English
id
2543243
date added to LUP
2012-07-02 15:44:27
date last changed
2012-07-03 08:29:51
@misc{2543243,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the interactions between tourism development and cultural values in the South Pacific nation of Samoa. As tourism is likely to remain a key strategy for the development of Samoa, this study explores the impact of such development on the cultural component of fa’a Samoa, or Samoa’s way of life, which varies quite significantly from Western, capitalist culture. The aim of the study is to shed light on the cultural implications of adopting tourism as a tool for economic development in Samoa, by exploring the cultural values and beliefs of accommodation sector workers. The theoretical concepts that have guided the study include Schein’s (2010) definition of culture, commodification of culture, cultural capital and Sen’s (1999) Development as Freedom. Qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and participant observation were used to collect data from accommodation workers. The findings indicate that cultural changes are taking place with relation to the meaning ascribed to certain cultural artefacts. Focus is also shifting from the extended family to the immediate family and the individual. Ultimately the tourism industry is perceived to be having a predominantly positive impact on respondents’ lives and is not perceived as a threat to living a culturally rich life.}},
  author       = {{Kiddell, Elspeth}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Samoa's Culture, Tourism and Development: Exploring the Impact of Tourism Development on the Changing Fa'a Samoa}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}