A Critical Realist Approach to Evolutionary Path Dependence: the Role of Counterurbanite Entrepreneurs in Tourism Regions of Rural Newfoundland
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A Critical Realist Approach to Evolutionary Path Dependence: The Role of Counterurbanite Entrepreneurs in Tourism Regions of Rural Newfoundland by Meghan Shannon A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geography Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2018 © Meghan Shannon 2018 Examining Committee Membership The following served on the Examining Committee for this thesis. The decision of the Examining Committee is by majority vote. External Examiner Christopher Fullerton Associate Professor, Brock University Supervisor Clare Mitchell Associate Professor, University of Waterloo Internal Member Judith Cukier Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo Internal-external Member Heather Mair Associate Professor, University of Waterloo Other Member Stephen Smith Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo ii Author’s Declaration I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of this thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. iii Abstract Path dependence has emerged as an approach to understanding economic decline in peripheral areas, consisting predominantly of space-based economic activities. Evolutionary economic geography is one lens through which transitioning path dependent locales, of industrial homogeneity, can be critically examined (Steen and Karlsen, 2014). This is because of the evolutionary nature of economic and social systems, which constitute the structures and conditions that largely dictate path dependent trajectories (Martin and Sunley, 2006). Some path dependent rural regions have been successful in creating new trajectories through tourism entrepreneurship (Brouder, 2014; Williams, 2013). This research investigates the evolution of one such path in a historically marginalized region of eastern Canada: rural Newfoundland. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of rural in-migrant entrepreneurs in unlocking two path dependent, peripheral areas, of rural Newfoundland: Brigus and Trinity Bight. More specifically, this study investigates the role that counterurbanites are playing in the development of a rural tourism trajectory, their motivations and residential histories, and, their impacts on local capacity building and job creation. The study is guided by a critical realist paradigm, which allows for an explanatory analysis of event causation, in an open, but stratified, socio-economic system. Findings are threefold. First, it is determined that the civic sector (i.e. non-profit groups, individual volunteers) plays an important role in initiating tourism path-creation; second, both regions are found to have low numbers of local resident tourism entrepreneurs; and, third, only one of the two regions investigated showed signs of tourism clustering through path-extension and path-renewal. These three events, respectively, are causally linked to: a) anxieties of resettlement, lack of economic alternatives, community cooperation, and a strong sense of community identity; b) lack of entrepreneurial spirit, and new primary sector opportunities; and c) newcomers’ outside perspective, desire for belonging, and uninhibited cognitive/political ‘lock-in’ to the island’s socio-economic history. The generative mechanisms responsible for producing these events include: a) Newfoundlanders’ unique collective diasporic identity; b) path-reversion; and c) geographic isolation and peripheral barriers. iv Acknowledgements There are many people who have been an invaluable part of this Ph.D process who are worthy of recognition. First, and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Clare Mitchell, whose constant words of encouragement and unwavering confidence in my ability to succeed was an integral piece to the completion of this thesis. My journey through graduate school with Clare as my mentor has been a great honour, and one of the best decisions of my life. I would also like to thank my committee members, Dr. Heather Mair, Dr. Judie Cukier, and Dr. Stephen Smith for their wisdom, patience, and commitment. In addition, I am grateful for the insight and critique provided by my external examiner, Dr. Chris Fullerton; an expert and wealth of knowledge on this topic. It is important that I extend my appreciation to all of those who played a necessary part in administrative roles. In particular, I want to acknowledge Susie Castela – whose hard work and presence should never go unappreciated, and who stands out as someone I will remember as being a special part of this long road. Most importantly, I would like to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support and love that got me through my most challenging times. I would not have achieved this milestone in life if it were not for each and every one of you. To my mom, whose aptitude, determination, and awareness I have inherited without regret, and to my dad, whose competitiveness and stubbornness I undoubtedly possess – I love you. You have provided the foundation for me to grow and achieve great things, and the positive reinforcement through actions and words that I cannot possibly express gratitude for here. To Hillary, my sister and best friend, you have been by my side in the moments that mattered most. This has pushed me to be someone you look up to. Your companionship and wittiness gave me strength and happiness; I am forever indebted. And Phil. You are the love of my life. None of this would have been possible without you. At last, I would like to thank the people of Newfoundland who made this research possible. My memories of this unique island will forever make me smile and hold a special place in my heart. The rural cultivates a character and identity that is unique to each place, which is why it is imperative that these areas survive. Rural Newfoundland, and its people, is an extraordinary example of this. v 2013—2015 for your testament to your commitment and limits of your heart… 2015—2018 for your unwavering support, patience, comfort and encouragement… 2018— for providing me the opportunity to be me, here, and with you… I dedicate this thesis to you Phil Bartliff vi Table of Contents Examining Committee Membership ......................................................................................................... ii Author’s Declaration ................................................................................................................................. iii Abstract ....................................................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................... v Dedication ................................................................................................................................................... vi Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................. xi List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. xii List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................... xiii 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Context .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Research Approach ....................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Study Location Rationale .............................................................................................................. 5 1.4 Method of Inquiry ......................................................................................................................... 6 1.5 Research Intent, Objectives and Questions ................................................................................... 8 1.6 Pluralistic Meta-Theoretical Framework ...................................................................................... 8 1.7 Thesis Outline ............................................................................................................................... 9 2 Literature ............................................................................................................................................. 10 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 10 2.2 Rural Change .............................................................................................................................. 10 2.2.1 Drivers of Change ............................................................................................................... 10 2.2.2 The Paths of Change ........................................................................................................... 15 2.2.3