Dissertation
The effect of tourism on the lived experiences of marginalised children and young people in Sienm Reap Cambodia
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00502
Abstract
This participatory research explores the impact of the growing tourism industry of Siem Reap, Cambodia on marginalised children living in the city, from the children's perspective. The research scrutinises the experiences of two groups of children who regularly interact with tourists: children living in tourist supported non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and orphanages; and street-connected children who sell goods to tourists on the streets and at tourist sites outside of the city, including Angkor Wat. The research identifies three different models of tourist supported child-based NGOs, and a range of issues related to child exploitation, child protection, and children's rights within them. The performance-based orphanage model raises some significant questions related to child protection but is perceived by poor Khmer as an opportunity for their children to access food and an education. The model is also popular with the "new moral tourist" on a "child saving mission" and who have created a demand for orphans and orphanages. The second model, the village-community NGO, is funded and supported by longer term and skilled voluntourists who seek to protect children's rights within an imposed Western childhood. Children in the third model, an NGO hospitality training school and restaurant, are supported by the patronage of the moral tourist. The children in all three models faced conflicting demands imposed by their traditional culture and Western cultural norms introduced by tourists and NGO staff, as they negotiated a Khmer modernity.
Details
- Title
- The effect of tourism on the lived experiences of marginalised children and young people in Sienm Reap Cambodia
- Authors
- Amanda Miller
- Contributors
- Harriot Beazley (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00502
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451375902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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