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Heritage and the nation: an exploration of a discursive relationship.

Chambers, Donna

Authors

Donna Chambers



Abstract

This conceptual article seeks to interrogate the relationship between heritage and the nation by utilizing some of the logics of a Foucauldian concept of discourse and that was subsequently developed by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe. The article suggests that heritage and the nation might be perceived as discursive constructions that have been articulated together into a hegemonic discursive formation. This conceptualization of a discursively constructed heritage/nation relationship is important for tourism studies because in a postmodern, global era it is in and through tourism that this relationship is most readily apprehended. Indeed, such a conceptualization has implications for both the discourse and praxis of tourism. With regard to tourism discourse, this conceptual investigation can broaden the existing knowledge base in mainstream tourism studies insofar as it demonstrates the utility of adopting alternative methodologies in arriving at understanding of phenomena in tourism. With regard to tourism praxis, this conceptual investigation can open up understanding of those power/knowledge relationships at work in the representation of heritage in and through tourism and how this relates to a national concept. Such understanding can facilitate a rethinking of heritage construction for the tourism industry.

Citation

Chambers, D. (2004). Heritage and the nation: an exploration of a discursive relationship. Tourism Analysis, 9(4), 241-254. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354205789807256

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2004
Deposit Date May 27, 2008
Print ISSN 1083-5423
Publisher Cognizant Communication Corporation
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 4
Pages 241-254
DOI https://doi.org/10.3727/108354205789807256
Keywords heritage, nation, Foucault, Ernesto Laclau, Chantal Mouffe, tourism, industry, discourse, praxis
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/2061



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