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The representational dynamics of a given contested space in which social agents and institutions interact to commodify cultural identity for touristic purposes is examined with the help of a symbolic interactionist perspective. The impending gentrification directed social agents residing in Humboldt Park in locating their neighborhood's cultural identity is investigated using interviews as well as direct observation and formal conversations.

The political dimensions of American evangelical pilgrimages to Israel are examined using the data triangulation methodological technique. Based on data, insights are provided into how pilgrims use tourism to promote their theological visions that have political ramifications to the host country, and how the political circumstances in the state of Israel foster a significant relationship between an extreme right party from Israel and the pilgrims.

AbstractThis study explored how engaging in transnational leisure activities affected ethno-cultural identity conflict and life satisfaction among fourth-generation young adult Chaoxianzu, a Korean ethnic minority in China. Online surveys from 145 participants ranging in age from 18 to 34 years old who identified themselves as fourth-generation Chaoxianzu were collected. The regression results showed that visiting cultural heritage sites and families/friends in Korea increased participants’ life satisfaction. Attending ethnic festivals, maintaining social media contact with other Chaoxianzu, and visiting families/friends in Korea decreased their levels of ethno-cultural conflict. Ethno-cultural identity conflict was negatively related to life satisfaction among the Chaoxianzu. Future recommendations and practical implications are discussed.

AbstractThe goal of this study was to investigate how Mexican migrant workers' transnational status affected their leisure behavior. Twenty one in-depth interviews with Mexican migrants, temporarily residing in a large metropolitan center and a smaller city in Illinois, were conducted between August and November 2003. Findings suggest that factors such as specific family status, unique work arrangements, economic, social and cultural networks, and unique legal status, conditioned the leisure of interviewed Mexican migrants. Findings were analyzed in light of the theory of transnationalism. We also introduced the concept of transnational leisure, which we defined as leisure that is maintained by transnational migrants to foster ties with their countries and communities of origin.