This thesis examines the impact of tourism development on Langkawi island. It explores the way in which the people of Langkawi have developed several strategies to deal with the various changes brought by tourism development. I suggest that tourism has been viewed as a ‘gateway’ for the development of Langkawi and has become a catalyst for the arrival of modernity in this local setting. This thesis primarily discusses how Langkawi people have dealt with the demands of the tourist industry, confronting modernity and mass consumption, negotiating their ‘old’ values/perception to absorb new values. It also shows the increase in distinction not only between outsiders and insiders but also among villagers in the local community, and the formation of the middle class. This process of negotiation was inevitable for them not only to fulfil their aspirations to become <i>modern</i> but also to fit in with the local tourist industry. I describe how the islanders have shown their eagerness to become <i>modern</i> but at the same time have made great efforts to maintain their identity as village people and as Muslims. Exploring their everyday experiences gives a deeper understanding of how tourism, either directly or indirectly, has impacted on their lives and how this has influenced their perception of tourism development. The different strategies adopted by local people show that they should not be seen as passive but as capable of accepting tourism and setting appropriate boundaries for their involvement with it. This exploration of their everyday lives contributes to the ongoing debates on the changes that tourism brings in the host country. I use tourism as a tool to address anthropological issues concerning modernity, consumption and changes in attitude, which contribute to a different ‘platform of thinking’ in the anthropology of tourism.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:661727 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Selamat, Nor Hafizah |
| Publisher | University of Edinburgh |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://hdl.handle.net/1842/23187 |
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