What is the primary criticism of the “commodification” of culture in tourism?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating the primary criticism of the commodification of culture in tourism, several possibilities come to mind and each requires scrutiny.
Option a: 'It can reduce cultural practices to performances for profit.' This captures a central critique: when culture is packaged for visitors and revenue, authentic meaning can be displaced or simplified into marketable performances, potentially eroding traditional significance. This explanation aligns with common critiques in tourism studies about commodification diminishing intrinsic cultural value.
Option b: 'It helps fund education programs.' While this can be a potential side effect of tourism revenue, it is not a criticism of commodification itself and does not reflect the primary concern about cultural degradation or instrumentalization for profit.
Option c: 'It attracts global respect for local cultures.' Although increased visibility can raise awareness, this statement describes a positive outcome rather than a core critique. It also overlooks issues like homogenization and commercialization that accompany commodification.
Option d: 'It increases visitor engagement.' Greater engagement is often touted as a benefit of tourism; however, it does not address the critical problem that commodification can reduce complex cultural practices to marketable acts, thus missing the central concern.
Across the options, the strongest critique centers on the way culture may be simplified or turned into commodity for economic gain, potentially compromising authenticity and meaning. The other options describe potential benefits or neutral effects that do not address the primary ethical and cultural tension involved in commodification.

25_2 SO101 World Cultures & Customs

What is the primary criticism of the “commodification” of culture in tourism?

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