A mobile narrative community

Communication among senior recreational vehicle travellers

Dados Bibliográficos

ID12697463
AutoresPhilip L Pearce (0000-0003-3829-4449, James Cook University), Mao-Ying Wu (0000-0002-4489-0901, Zhejiang University, autor correspondente)
Ano2017
Volume18
Fascículo2
Páginas194-212
Data de publicação2017-08-16
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoTourist Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1468-7976 • E-ISSN: 1741-3206
EditoraSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1468797617723469
OpenAlexW2806533318
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas6
Referências citadas38

Narrative communities consist of closely interacting participants who frequently discuss their views of the world. The aims of this study were to establish the credibility of using a narrative community approach to the recreational vehicle (RV) market and, if appropriate, both identify common themes in the public discourse and direct attention to sensitive issues which those seeking to influence this market need to consider. Primary data were collected in Australia through focus groups at a typical regional RV rally site. This material was supplemented by close study of the main membership magazine produced for the target group. The researchers were able to confirm the applicability of the narrative community approach through noting the frequent repetition of symbolic stories, recurring phrases and highly favoured topics. The extended focus group conversations and the supplementary materials revealed six highly consistent themes binding the perspectives of the RV tourists. The celebrated common concerns were enjoying a new family, safety, freedom, health and living economically while contributing to the communities visited. This commonality was seen as constituting enthusiastic advocacy for RV travel and opens lines of communication for those seeking to influence RV users

Credibility · Focus (optics · Focus group · Linguistics · Narrative · Narrative inquiry · Political science · Public relations · Recreation · Sociology · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Law · Tourism, Volunteerism, and Development · Urban Transport and Accessibility