Integrating Community Ambivalence into Resident Sentiment Research

Abstract

Resident sentiment and its ambivalence play important roles in maintaining the social sustainability of tourism development. The recent phenomenon of resident-tourist conflicts in some destinations clearly indicates problematic levels of resident sentiment and often reflects certain degrees of community ambivalence. Investigating resident sentiment in synthesis with community-level ambivalence can provide a nuanced understanding of the diversity of resident sentiments. This study conducts a systematic review of relevant literature, constructs a conceptual framework of community ambivalence, and analyzes the ambivalence dynamics. Drawing on social identity theory and social influence theory, community ambivalence formation and transformation processes are discussed. A set of propositions is developed to guide future research. When community dynamics are properly understood and directed, government agencies and businesses can better manage destinations and devise effective strategies to pursue healthy host-guest relationships and facilitate socially sustainable tourism development.