Sociological impressionism in a hospitality context

Lynch, Paul

Abstract

Qualitative research approaches in hospitality are underdeveloped. As a contribution to addressing this shortcoming, sociological impressionism—a form of autobiographical sociology—is described and associated issues are examined. The methodological discussion is
contextualized within the homestay sector and historical developments in qualitative research. An overview of previous significant investigations of commercial and private homes is supplied and their research methods are appraised. A synopsis of the principal findings
from the current study employing sociological impressionism is provided. Methodological
issues considered include selectivity, sociological considerations and semiotics, host-guest
matching, and the autonomy of qualitative work. The potential of this research theme in
exploring intangible dimensions of hospitality is highlighted.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2005-07
• Deposit Date: Jan 8, 2014
• Print ISSN: 0160-7383
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 527-548
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2004.09.005
• Keywords: Commercial homes; Homestay; Sociological impressionism
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/6546
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2004.09.005