Causal analysis of conflict in tourism in rural China: The peasant perspective.

This study explores the reasons for conflict within the tourism sector in rural China. A case-oriented qualitative research method was employed, in which unstructured interviews were used as the primary data collection approach. From the perspective of rural peasant communities this study found three causes for conflict: infringement of peasants' basic rights and interests, economic motivation, and unfair treatment. A deprivation model was then generated as the explanatory tool in which local villagers' experiences of relative deprivation and contractual deprivation were explored. The combination of these two types of deprivation serves to trigger discontent and contributes to conflict. The findings of this study provide valuable insights leading to a better understanding of this complex conflict phenomenon, and they can also help policy makers to better engage communities in relation to conflict reduction and promote sustainable tourism planning and development. • When seen from the perspective of the peasants, three main reasons for the persistent conflict in rural tourism were evident. • A rural tourism-based deprivation model was generated as the explanatory vehicle. • Local villagers experienced relative deprivation and contractual deprivation. • The combination of these two types of deprivation serves to trigger local peasants' discontent and contributes to conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]