Rethinking Research on Social Impacts of Tourism

Tourism is a rapidly growing global phenomenon with immense economic significance. As tourism primarily involves interactions between tourists and local residents, understanding the social impacts of tourism is crucial for managing the industry sustainably. This introductory chapter provides an overview of social impacts research in tourism, exploring its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and contemporary aspects. The chapter traces the evolution of research on social impacts, identifying five key stages characterized by distinct attributes and research focuses. The chapter argues that while significant progress has been made, there is a need to move beyond a positivist paradigm and delve into the underlying processes shaping perceptions and potential strategies to alter them. In light of this, a new research agenda is proposed that emphasizes the theoretical and methodological foundations of social impacts research in tourism, aiming to develop new approaches that capture the multifaceted nature of these impacts and the complex dynamics between tourism and host communities.