This essay investigates the meaning of the condition of post-modernity today and how it is reflected in tourism.
Post-modernity is a term that is difficult to clarify and often there are different statements amongst sociologists whether at all this term exists or not (Urry, 2002; Atkinson, 2002; Sharpley, 1994; Williams and Sewpaul, 2004). In general the advocates of Post-modernity say that it can be seen in many different conditions as e.g. in art, literature, architecture and the social condition of society. As the term appears in almost all aspects of science and areas of life, just the main characteristics and its connection with tourism will be outlined in this work. The term post-modernity suggests that there must have been a break of an earlier epoch and therefore a new era must have begun afterwards. The sociologists do not agree with each other when the condition of post-modernity really began. Lyotard (1984) believes in contrast to many others that this change of society and culture is in progress at least since the 1950ies, whereas Harvey (1989) says he found evidence for a shift of cultural change in newspapers and journals in the 1970ies.
However, to understand what kind of changes have taken place in the last decades the author will first outline the main characteristics of modernity.
The development of modernity started in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when society made an enormous progress in agriculture, science and industry. The term modernity as a social condition was not implemented back then. However, due to this progress and therefore a rise in knowledge, society believed in science and was looking forward to the future. These so called Enlightenment thinkers foresaw the victory of scientific development and knowledge. Society started to abandon everything that was linked to traditions and the past. The society of mass production and mass consumption had emerged.
During the time of modernity society also separated themselves from others by class, gender, race, occupation and wealth, a society of differentiation emerged (Sharpley, 1994). There have been high distinctions between high culture, people who where wealthy and therefore had access to cultural events and knowledge, and the low culture, which have been ordinary, working people.
To get a short insight of what modernism was like it may now be easier to understand what is meant with the condition of post modernity.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Modernity and its Characteristics
3. The Condition of Post-modernity
4. Post-modernity and Tourism
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This academic paper investigates the definition of the "condition of post-modernity" and examines how this societal shift is manifested within the modern tourism industry, focusing on changes in tourist behavior, expectations, and industry responses.
- Theoretical definitions of the condition of post-modernity.
- Transition from modernity to post-modern social structures.
- The impact of hyper-reality and spectacle on tourism experiences.
- Shifting roles of the post-modern tourist and "new middle classes".
- The role of nostalgia and authenticity in modern travel consumption.
Excerpt from the Book
Post-modernity and Tourism
Another case where this post-modern condition is represented in many ways is in tourism. Some regions are more post-modern than others e.g. USA more than Sweden and even within the countries there can be differences e.g. Los Angeles more than New England (Urry, 2002). Not only can it be seen in regions or destinations but also in the way tourists behave or what they expect and how the tourism industry responds.
There are three main characteristics of today’s post-modern tourists: First they do not have to travel anymore to see the world as the media especially TV brings destinations to every home. Second the tourists are aware of the choice they have and final the post-tourists have a ludic involvement in tourism (Ryan, 2002). Bordieu notes that two kinds of new middle classes have evolved in the last decades during postmodernism.
The first one is the ‘new bourgeoisie’, which is mostly located in the service sector, e.g. finance, marketing and purchasing, this class is high of economic and low in cultural capital. With those taste and travel started to intertwine and have been celebrated. The second and probably more important one is the ‘new petite bourgeoisie’, a class which is low in economic capital but high in cultural capital. They simulate an academic or intellectual kind of holiday and lifestyle to balance with their low economic capital. They are constantly looking for a style of travelling which de-differentiates them from others and which also contributes to their cultural capital. Travelling today is therefore a consumption good which is used from both kinds of classes to compete as they struggle about hegemony in social culture (Munt, 1994).
In post-modern society the escape from home is often an escape from duty but furthermore it is also based on dreams and hopes about places and what they stand for which results from the “manufacturing of images by industry sources” (Ryan, 2002, p.8). The tourist is therefore not only a spectator but also an actor in the entertainment world of tourism.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the essay, noting the difficulty in defining post-modernity while establishing the intention to link it to tourism.
2. Modernity and its Characteristics: An exploration of the foundations of modernity, highlighting the rise of industry, science, and the emergence of mass production and social stratification.
3. The Condition of Post-modernity: A discussion on the shift toward de-differentiation, uncertainty, and the rejection of grand narratives, characterizing the post-modern worldview.
4. Post-modernity and Tourism: This section analyzes how the post-modern condition influences tourism, specifically through the "tourist gaze," hyper-reality, and the pursuit of individualised experiences.
5. Conclusion: A final synthesis confirming that while perspectives on post-modernity vary, its transformative effect on global culture and contemporary tourism is undeniable.
Keywords
Post-modernity, Tourism, Modernity, Hyper-reality, Tourist Gaze, De-differentiation, Consumer Culture, New Middle Classes, Authenticity, Nostalgia, Social Change, Spectacle, Cultural Capital, Symbolic Status, Lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The essay explores the sociological concept of the "condition of post-modernity" and analyzes its significant impact on the dynamics of modern tourism.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the transition from modernity to post-modernity, the influence of hyper-reality, changing social classes in travel, and the commodification of culture.
What is the main objective of the author?
The objective is to clarify the meaning of post-modernity and illustrate the extent to which these societal changes are reflected in contemporary tourism practices.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study utilizes a theoretical literature review, synthesizing sociological theories from scholars like Urry, Harvey, Lyotard, and others to explain social phenomena.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections cover the characteristics of modernity, the cultural shift towards post-modernity, and the practical application of these theories in tourism, including theme parks and heritage sites.
Which keywords best describe this text?
Key concepts include post-modernity, tourist gaze, hyper-reality, consumer culture, and social differentiation.
How does the author explain the role of nostalgia in tourism?
The author argues that nostalgia serves as a response to the rapid changes and insecurity of modern life, leading tourists to seek out "rebuilt" versions of history, such as the Santa Claus Village or Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.
What does the term "hyper-reality" mean in the context of this essay?
Hyper-reality refers to a state where the boundaries between reality and the simulated (the fake) become blurred, often created by media or tourism industry spectacles like Disneyland.
- Quote paper
- Natascha Winkler (Author), 2007, What is meant by the condition of post-modernity and to what extent is this condition reflected in tourism?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/68299
