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Functions of Social Conflict in Tourism: Tourism’s Impacts on the Kanas Tuva and Kazakh Settlements, Xinjiang, China A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Waikato by Jingjing Yang 2012 ii ABSTRACT The impacts of tourism have been well researched and such studies have developed into a rich body of literature. Equally the subject of social conflict has also been well developed with its own stream of analytical works; for example in western literature one might cite Machievelli‘s Renaissance work The Prince. However, while academics have proposed concepts of community tourism, a lack of empirical evidence remains as to the functions of social conflict and its relationship with tourism development, especially with reference to locations inhabited by minority groups. Firstly, when such a concern does exist, it is directed primarily toward the reduction of conflict. However, conflict can be a necessary and positive part of all social relationships, and a requisite for social change (Coser, 1956). Secondly, conflict is often accompanied by cooperation, unity and the formation of alliances, but in tourism studies the relation between conflict and cooperation/unity/alliance has rarely been discussed. Thirdly, a theoretical base for social conflict is needed to support the empirical studies regarding tourism development and conflict. Fourth, from the perspective of background and context, functions of social conflict are still an under-researched area within multi-ethnic communities affected by tourism. Based on one year‘s ethnographic research in Kanas, Xinjiang, China, this study employs Coser‘s (1956) social conflict theory for a discussion of tourism impacts on ethnic communities. This study proposes a tension-directed tourism development system to analyse tourism impacts. It also provides a useful tool to compare and contrast tourism impacts and their determinants in tourism destinations. Additionally it provides a holistic view and systematic approach to researching tourism impacts. This study demonstrates the nature, forms, and means of the conflict between the groups and subgroups, thereby contributing to an understanding of the extents, approaches and reasons behind the nature of observed tourism impacts. In undertaking this study, Coser‘s (1956) 16 propositions are examined and extended by making comparisons between Western and Chinese societies, by applying those concepts to an ethnic community, and by looking at the administrative realities of the Kanas Scenic Area. Based on the differences in culture between Western societies and China, it is suggested that some theories and research methods might need modification in the Chinese context. iii iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I have been thinking about this acknowledgement letter since staring my PhD study three years ago. Now, when it is the time to write it, I do not know where to start, because there are so many people to whom I owe debt of gratitude. I wish to thank them for their support, help, encouragement and care throughout this journey. My deepest appreciation goes to my chief supervisor, Professor Chris Ryan, for his valuable guidance, insightful advice and continuous encouragement. His passion for research inspires me to work hard to achieve my goals. He gave me prompt feedback to each chapter draft, each question and each request, including weekends. His patience and support moved me considerably. He provides me a lot of guidance on my PhD research and academic career from which I could benefit for the remainder of my life. I feel deeply that I am very lucky to have him as my supervisor. I would also express my appreciation to Professor Gu Huimin who introduced me to Chris in the first place. I am very grateful to Professor Zhang Lingyun in Beijing who has always believed in my research potential and encouraged me to fulfill my dreams. Although his name is not on the official list of my supervisors panel, he indeed gave me a lot of wise advice and comments on my research, especially when I was conducting fieldwork in Xinjiang because the Internet and international call were not available for most of my time there due to the July 2009 Urumqi Riots. His advice and encouragement accompanied me through the most difficult time of my study and also my life. I wish to acknowledge the two examiners, Professor Trevor Sofield and Professor Bob McKercher, for their useful critique and valuable suggestions. I am very appreciative for their time and effort on reviewing my thesis during two festivals: 2011 Christmas and 2012 New Year. Particularly, thanks go to Professor Trevor Sofield, who together with my supervisors, gave me a memorable thesis defence. I want to say thank you to many friends in Kanas who provided tremendous help and assistance during my fieldwork there. Without their kind help, I could not have finished this project, and certainly never have survived in the community in v the harsh winter. Many thanks go to each staff member of the Kanas Scenic Area Administrative Committee who provided me with information, assistance, support and care. I am indebted to the heads of the Hemu and Hanas Township Government for the accommodation, catering, governmental documents, and a place with electricity so that I could type my notes. My sincere thanks to the local people whose kindness and hospitality made my life there a very unforgettable experience. The data provided by the locals constitutes the fundamental of my research. Drinking is the best way to express appreciation in Kanas, and I hope to visit Kanas and get drunk repeatedly to express my deep gratitude to each person. This research obtained the financial support provided by the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad. I wish to extend my appreciation to the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand. In New Zealand, my grateful thanks also go to Dr. Jenny Cave, my second supervisor, for proof-reading the thesis. I would also like to thank Associate Professor Asad Mohsin and Senior Lecturer Charlie Panakera for providing me the opportunity of teaching tourism and hospitality management courses at University of Waikato. Many thanks also go to other staff of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management and of University of Waikato for their help and support. In particular, I want to say thank you to all the staff of the Student Learning Support who greatly helped me improve my written English and gave me considerable encouragement and support. I am also grateful for my colleagues and friends for their kind support, help, and invaluable friendship. This includes the community of my fellow doctoral students at the university – who were my friends and supporters as we each encourage each other through the doctoral journey. And finally, many thanks go to my family for their constant support, love and encouragement. Sometimes, I do feel guilty because I spend most of my time outside Beijing, and even outside China, rather than being together with them at home. Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped to make my PhD study a very demanding and enjoyable experience. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract .................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. v Table of contents ................................................................................................... vii List of figures ......................................................................................................... xi List of tables .......................................................................................................... xv CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Research significances, purposes and objectives ........................................ 3 1.2.1 Research significances ........................................................................... 3 1.2.2 Research purposes and objectives .......................................................... 4 1.3 Thesis structure and research framework ................................................... 5 1.3.1 Thesis structure ...................................................................................... 5 1.3.2 Research framework .............................................................................. 7 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................... 9 2.1 Tourism‘s impacts on ethnic communities .................................................
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