| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this thesis is to analyze contemporary backpacker tourism in Australia. It is
an investigation into the degree to which aspects of backpacker tourism have become
incorporated into mainstream culture despite backpacker tourism’s image of being alternative. It
is also a study which investigates the degree to which the image of the alternative is marketed to
backpacker tourists. The thesis examines the manner in which backpacker tourists seek to escape
the constraints of Western, post-industrial existence by engaging in a form of travel which is
thought to be purer than mass-tourism. This is also an examination of the failure of these tourists
to escape the matrix of the Western constraints they seek to escape.
Research was conducted by way of participant observation in the backpacking culture in
Australia for a period of four months. Information was collected by way of observation,
participant observation, and interviews with individuals located within the backpacking
community.
Data collection yielded results which demonstrate the high degree to which contemporary
backpacker tourism has become incorporated into mainstream capitalist culture. Most aspects of
the pursuit which are believed to fulfil the desired escapism are actually part of the mass-tourist
infrastructure. Accommodation, transportation, activities, and social behaviours are all aspects
which have become commodified and marketed to these travelers. As such, the conclusion
which was made is that there is very little about contemporary backpacking which is alternative.
Furthermore, contemporary backpacking has become a game played by travelers who operate in
a theater of perceived escapism and alternativeness. It is a game, however, which is completely
within confined post-industrial capitalism. | |
