The disciplinary dilemma of tourism studies Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Though tourism is a complex phenomenon crossing many disciplines, researchers tend to approach tourism studies from within the specific boundaries of the main discipline in which they have been trained. Existing tourism theory is thus fragmented and weak. This paper looks at the potential for developing more holistic and integrated theories than currently exist, and for tourism studies evolving into a distinct discipline. The current state of debate in this area is introduced, and several disciplines impacting on tourism studies are examined. Insights are drawn from two distinct philosophy of science perspectives, T. S. Kuhn and R. J. Bernstein. Suggestions are made for advancing the evolution and integration of tourism studies. 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

published proceedings

  • Annals of Tourism Research

author list (cited authors)

  • Echtner, C. M., & Jamal, T. B.

citation count

  • 228

complete list of authors

  • Echtner, Charlotte M||Jamal, Tazim B

publication date

  • January 1997