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Towards a contextual turn in visitor studies : evaluating visitor segmentation and identity-related motivations
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Dawson, Emily and Jensen, Eric (2011) Towards a contextual turn in visitor studies : evaluating visitor segmentation and identity-related motivations. Visitor Studies, Vol.14 (No.2). pp. 127-140. doi:10.1080/10645578.2011.608001 ISSN 1064-5578.
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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10645578.2011.608001
Abstract
This article assesses the use of audience segmentation in visitor studies by analyzing its application in the identity model of visitors proposed by J. Falk (2009) and J. Falk et al. (2007). As a leading example of visitor segmentation, the authors examine this model's application in a specific case at U.S. zoos to elaborate some of its limitations. Conventional short-term, episodic approaches to visitor research should be challenged and supplemented by a more contextually sensitive framework. The authors contend that segmentation approaches, and in particular Falk's theorization and operationalization of an identity model of visitors, are problematic. They argue for a contextual turn that places visitors’ experiences within a holistic and long-term framework of individual life circumstances, relationships, and trajectories. Research and theory from education, sociology, and cultural studies extends existing visitor research approaches by acknowledging complexity, change over time, and the interwoven and developmental nature of sociocultural variables influencing visitors’ appropriation of new ideas and experiences.
Item Type: | Journal Article | ||||
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Subjects: | A General Works > AM Museums (General). Collectors and collecting (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology |
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Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology | ||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Zoo visitors, Museum visitors, Art museum visitors | ||||
Journal or Publication Title: | Visitor Studies | ||||
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis | ||||
ISSN: | 1064-5578 | ||||
Official Date: | 13 October 2011 | ||||
Dates: |
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Volume: | Vol.14 | ||||
Number: | No.2 | ||||
Page Range: | pp. 127-140 | ||||
DOI: | 10.1080/10645578.2011.608001 | ||||
Status: | Peer Reviewed | ||||
Publication Status: | Published | ||||
Access rights to Published version: | Restricted or Subscription Access |
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