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Becoming a backpacker in China: A grounded theory approach to identity construction of backpackers

Author

Listed:
  • Zhang, Jingru
  • Tucker, Hazel
  • Morrison, Alastair M.
  • Wu, Bihu

Abstract

Backpacking tourism has gained in popularity among Chinese young people since the 1990s. While learning from their western counterparts, Chinese backpackers have also developed their own unique group identification strategies. By focusing on how backpacker identity is socially constructed in the Chinese context, this research explores the meaning and process of becoming a backpacker in China. Grounded theory was adopted, and the structure “image-identity-strategy” emerged to organise the process of becoming a backpacker into three phases. The findings show that Chinese backpackers employ various strategies to continuously negotiate and reconstruct their backpacker identity. It is thereby shown how the process itself of becoming a backpacker is always ongoing.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Jingru & Tucker, Hazel & Morrison, Alastair M. & Wu, Bihu, 2017. "Becoming a backpacker in China: A grounded theory approach to identity construction of backpackers," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 114-125.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:64:y:2017:i:c:p:114-125
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2017.03.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tucker, Hazel & Zhang, Jundan (Jasmine), 2016. "On Western-centrism and “Chineseness” in tourism studies," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 250-252.
    2. Chen, Ganghua & Huang, Songshan (Sam), 2017. "Toward a theory of backpacker personal development: Cross-cultural validation of the BPD scale," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 630-639.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gao, Xiongbin & Cohen, Scott & Hanna, Paul, 2020. "Hitchhiking travel in China: Gender, agency and vulnerability," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    2. Cai, Wenjie & Cohen, Scott A. & Tribe, John, 2019. "Harmony rules in Chinese backpacker groups," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 120-130.
    3. Liu, Shang & Lai, Dan & Li, Zhiyong, 2022. "The identity construction of Chinese anime pilgrims," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    4. Dayour, Frederick & Kimbu, Albert N. & Park, Sangwon, 2017. "Backpackers: The need for reconceptualisation," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 191-193.
    5. Yang, I-Chieh Michelle & French, Juliana Angeline & Lee, Christina & Watabe, Motoki, 2020. "The symbolism of international tourism in national identity," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).

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