The case for constructionist, longitudinal and ethnographic approaches to understanding event experiences
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Author
Davies, Karen
Jaimangal-Jones, Dewi
Date
2020-01-27Acceptance date
2019
Type
Article
Publisher
Taylor&Francis
ISSN
1940-7963
1940-7971
Embargoed until
2021-07-27
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This paper argues that to really understand the complexities of event experiences and their meaning, we need to gather rich data, on a longitudinal basis. It demonstrates how ethnographic and constructionist approaches assist in understanding event experiences in relation to the cultural context, symbolic nature, and ritualistic aspects of the event and the corresponding impacts on participants. It considers how spending time immersed in the culture of the event and observing with a wide angle lens, using photographic evidence to capture, recall and discuss experiences, provides for a depth of data beyond the realms of quantitative data collection. The paper presents research undertaken at the case of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod into experiences by event attendees and volunteers in relation to the specific aspect of intercultural communication and exchange. The findings provided rich and meaningful data on individual experiences at the case study event from which to provide recommendations for organisers on how this aspect of the event can be enhanced and improved. The results underline and demonstrate the effectiveness of longitudinal, constructionist and ethnographic methodological approaches in understanding event experiences, and their credibility and generalisability moving into the future.
Journal/conference proceeding
Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events;
Citation
Davies, K. and Jaimangal-Jones, D. (2020) 'The case for constructionist, longitudinal and ethnographic approaches to understanding event experiences', Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, pp.1-21.
Description
Article published in Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events available at https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2020.1718340
Sponsorship
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Grant ID: Cardiff Metropolian (Internal))
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