A mixed-methods study on the values and motivations of voluntourists
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Devon Alexandra Francis [1] ; Maï Yasué [1]
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[1] Quest University Canada
Quest University Canada
Canadá
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- Localización: Tourism recreation research, ISSN 0250-8281, Vol. 44, Nº. 2, 2019, págs. 232-246
- Idioma: inglés
- Enlaces
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Resumen
In this theoretically grounded mixed-methods study, we explored the motivational values ofvoluntourists and examined the perceived impacts of voluntourism programmes. Surveyssuggested that voluntourists (n= 82) had high self-transcendence (universalism andbenevolence) and self-direction (freedom in thought and action) values. Eleven retrospectiveinterviews with young adult voluntourists also suggested that participants were primarily drivento both benefit the host community and promote personal learning. Although participantsgained personal learning and growth, they felt frustrated by voluntourism’s limited benefits tohost communities. Additionally, social justice education that participants received after theexperience led participants to become more critical of voluntourism. Together, this researchdescribes a subset of unskilled, well-intentioned, and self-transcendent voluntourists andprovides recommendations on how voluntourism providers may better meet their needs andcreate more sustainable voluntourism programmes. Furthermore, we demonstrate how valuesresearch and retrospective interviews can deepen our understanding of both the experiencesand perceived personal impacts of voluntourism
