Social Impacts of Global Tourism: A Sociological Analysis in the Context of International Tourism Law

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Social Impacts of Global Tourism: A Sociological Analysis in the Context of
International Tourism Law
Article Application Date: Article Publication Date: Article Type: Review
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya BERRAK YENTÜR
St Clements University
Sociology Department
Orcid ID: 0000-0002-
0601-2331
Abstract
This study, approached from a sociological perspective, meticulously examines the societal
impacts of global tourism. It delves into six main categories of effects on local communities,
cultural identities, and societal structures. While tourists' interest in local culture promotes
cultural exchange, the study also highlights the consequences of these interactions on local
communities and how they transform the local cultural fabric. Additionally, it scrutinizes
tourism from a social justice perspective, addressing not only its economic contributions but
also its implications for income inequality. Cultural change can influence local cultural
identities, and the study discusses how tourism contributes to social conflicts and strategies
for managing them. In terms of social and environmental sustainability, the study evaluates
the impacts of tourism and provides recommendations for making tourism policies more
sustainable and equitable.
Keywords: Global Tourism, Social Impacts, Sociological Perspective, International Tourism
Law, Sociological Analysis, Cultural Change, Local Communities
INTRODUCTION

Today's world is rapidly changing, and the global tourism industry, which is considered one of
the leading dynamics of this change, supports economic growth, provides employment and
contributes significantly to the national income of many countries (Smith, 2017). However,
the accelerated mobility of tourism and the increase in tourist activities in destinations can
profoundly affect the lifestyles, cultural norms and economic structures of local communities
(Smith, 2017).
Tourism functions as a means of transporting people to different geographies, allowing them
to interact with different cultures during these journeys. While this encourages cultural
exchanges, international relations and social interaction, it can also bring various challenges
(Hughes & Allen, 2008).
These impacts of tourism can profoundly affect the social fabric, cultural values and economic
status of local communities. This calls for a careful consideration of the social dimensions of
international tourism. In this context, this paper aims to examine the social impacts of
international tourism, and in particular to understand how they are regulated under
international tourism law (Davies and Cahill, 2000).
From a sociological perspective, globalization affects the structures and cultural
characteristics of societies and triggers a process in which national identities are mixed with
international elements. At the same time, while this process may contribute to democracy and
human rights becoming more widespread at the international level, some critics argue that
globalization may threaten democracy and weaken some countries (Eroğlu and Albeni, 2002:
19; Farrel, 1999: 27).
In this context, when globalization is considered from a sociological perspective, the issues of
how this concept shapes the interaction between societies, how it transforms cultural and
social structures, and how it affects international relations gain importance.
PURPOSE
The aim of this article is to examine the social impacts of global tourism, particularly its
effects on social structures, cultural identities and ways of life of local communities. The
article discusses the social dimensions of tourism in detail under six main headings. These

topics are cultural impacts of tourism, impacts on social justice, cultural change, contribution
to social conflicts and sustainability. The aim of this article is to better understand the social
impacts of global tourism and to highlight the role of these impacts on local communities.
METHOD
In the preparation phase of the article, a literature review was conducted to examine the social
impacts of global tourism. Academic databases, journals, books and other sources were
reviewed. Especially studies in the field of sociology were taken into consideration. The
obtained sources were analyzed by content analysis method. The social impacts of tourism
were categorized under six main headings. The results of the content analysis helped to
understand the social impacts of tourism and supported the article titles. The findings were
used to prepare the discussion section.
FINDINGS
In this article, the social effects of globalization on the international tourism sector are
examined through a sociological analysis in the context of international tourism law. The
findings of this study provide us with an important perspective in the context of international
tourism law by addressing the effects of globalization on the international tourism sector and
the social dimension of these effects.
Dwyer (2015) emphasizes that globalization has had significant impacts on the tourism sector.
While many of these impacts have created positive results in the tourism sector, many of them
have also created negative results. In order to ensure the sustainability of tourism, it is
emphasized in this study that public and private tourism managers should make tourism
activities sustainable by implementing various policies against the negative effects of
globalization.
Buluk and Özkök (2016) state that globalization shows its impact in every field today and is
gaining momentum. Emphasizing that it has entered a new structuring process especially in
areas such as information, energy, production and communication, this study argues that the
tourism industry is the most affected among the sectors and that structuring in this field is
inevitable.

Patiño et al. (2016) emphasize that tourism has lost its previous meaning with globalization.
Stating that tourism has transformed from a field of high-cost and high-status individuals in
the past into a mass activity area with globalization, this study highlights the need for tourism
to adapt to new trends.
Song et al. (2017) emphasize that globalization is a powerful phenomenon shaping the
tourism sector. This study suggests that the relationship between tourism and globalization
should be addressed with more quantitative methods and encourages empirical studies in this
field.
Brelik (2018) emphasizes that the globalization process is a phenomenon that makes the
world economies interdependent. Stating that the tourism sector is rapidly affected by social,
economic and political developments, this study once again emphasizes the importance of
globalization in the tourism sector.
The study by Sugiyarto et al. (2003) emphasized that globalization has rapidly developed the
tourism sector. Especially in Indonesia, it is stated that tourism reduces the negative effects of
globalization and contributes to the reduction of the current account deficit.
Kar et al. (2004) show that tourism investments in Turkey contribute significantly to
economic growth. However, it is emphasized that economic effects are prominent and may
increase inequalities in income distribution. Therefore, it is important to consider the social
benefits of tourism in addition to its economic benefits.
Hjalager (2007) discusses the relationship between tourism and globalization in four sections.
Among these sections, it is emphasized that local cultural identity is affected by tourism,
sometimes preserved and sometimes changed. The reaction of local people to tourists and the
shaping of local cultural identity is an important issue.
Peric (2005) stated that tourism is a sector operating on a global scale. However, it is
emphasized that this sector negatively affects the environment, social and international
relations. It is discussed how tourism contributes to social conflicts and should be managed.
Aramberri (2009) stated that the globalization process has made the tourism sector an
important force. However, it is emphasized that the sustainability of tourism is important and
changes in the social and cultural environment should be monitored. This should be included
in tourism planning and policies.

Çeken et al. (2009) stated that globalization has made the tourism sector competitive in the
international market. In a period when the impact of globalization is increasing, it is important
how the tourism sector can adapt to these changes.
Işık (2010) analyzed the long-term relationship between foreign visitor expenditures and
tourism revenue in Turkey. The findings show that there is a reciprocal relationship between
these two variables.
Global Tourism and the Rise of Global Tourism
The concepts of globalization and tourism have been discussed as multidimensional and
complex concepts with their histories and impacts (Aktaş, 2007: 9; Dulupçu, 1999: 19).
Globalization refers to a process in which the world is seen as a single space and international
borders are eliminated economically, politically and socioculturally. In this process,
individuals and companies have become able to reach anywhere in the world quickly,
comfortably and economically.
Globalization marks a period in which individualism is at the forefront, intellectual
divergences are resolved and social relations become more widespread (Aktaş, 2007: 9).
Tourism, on the other hand, refers to all economic activities that arise as a result of people
traveling temporarily from the regions where they live to different regions or countries
(Dulupçu, 1999: 19). The tourism sector is a multidimensional sector that contributes
significantly to the economy of many countries.
Globalization is a phenomenon that paves the way for the expansion and development of
tourism worldwide. The rapid progress of globalization has caused many negative effects,
especially the changes in urban life can lead to monotony, health problems, sociocultural
pressure, traffic problems, reduced quality of life, work pressure and stress. Individuals who
want to avoid these negative effects tend to turn to touristic activities (Göngen, 2013: 123).
There are different views on the historical development of globalization. Marshall McLuhan's
concept of "Global Village" suggests that the concept of globalization emerged in the
mid1960s. There are also claims that the concept of globalization was discussed in the article
written by British economist W. Foster in 1833 ((Adıgüzel, 2011: 70).
The periodization of globalization has been handled by researchers from different
perspectives. Roland Robertson considers it as a five-stage process, while Thomas Friedman

calls it three great epochs. The process from the prehistoric period to the present can be
analyzed with Elçin's historical development approach. This approach emphasizes that
globalization has a long historical background and has been shaped by different factors in
different periods ((Akbulut, 2009: 5; Çelik, 2009: 19).
International Tourism Law
Law is a set of binding, general, abstract and continuous legal rules that regulate the relations
of people living in an organized society with each other or with the communities formed by
the people themselves and the relations of these communities with each other, created in order
to ensure the legal security and human rights of individuals and supported by state power
(Battal, 2000).
Tourism law is an international, mixed, dynamic branch of law subject to the rules of market
economy (Boz, 2004). It is linked to constitutional law in terms of personal liberty and
security, freedom of settlement and travel, expropriation, freedom of work and contract, right
and duty to work, working conditions and right to rest, protection of the environment, right to
social security, protection of history, culture and natural assets, protection of consumers (Can
& Güner, 2000).
Although it is included in international conventions, it cannot be said that the right to travel is
an absolute right. This is because the right to travel does not provide foreigners with an
absolute right of entry into a country of which they are not citizens. However, after entering
the country, the right to free movement within the country should be recognized for everyone,
without distinction between citizens and foreigners. The right to travel may only be restricted
by law and as compulsory measures in a democratic society for national security, public
safety, the protection of public order, the prevention of crime, the protection of health and
morals or the rights and freedoms of others (Çelikel & Erdem, 2016).
Tourism enterprises are commercial enterprises and tourism law is related to the Turkish
Commercial Code in terms of common issues with commercial companies, negotiable
instruments, insurance and maritime law (Öztan, 2016).
The entry of foreigners into the country, their stay in the country, the solution of private law
issues in the country and their exit from the country are the subjects of private law of states.
Law is a set of binding, general, abstract and continuous legal rules that regulate the relations
of people living in an organized society with each other or with the communities formed by

the individuals themselves and the relations of these communities with each other, created in
order to ensure the legal security and human rights of individuals and supported by state
power (Erdem, 2013).
Tourism law is a mixed branch of law that includes both private law and public law rules
(Ödyakmaz, 1998). Although other contracts that give rise to mutual obligations and are the
subject of the law of obligations, such as sale, lease, and work, are based on the principle of
equality of the parties, we see that the parties are not equal, especially in the contracts made
by agencies and tourists. According to the Law on Travel Agencies and the Association of
Travel Agencies and the Regulation on Travel Agencies prepared on the basis of this Law,
travel agencies are obliged to deposit an establishment deposit with the Ministry of Culture
and Tourism during their establishment (Küpe, 2018).
Another purpose of tourism legislation is legal security. Both tourists who will visit the
country and investors who will invest in tourism want to know how they will benefit from
legal protection due to transaction security and their interests (Kozak & Akoğlan, 2012).
While tourism law has a private law character due to the relationship between the tourist and
the tourism provider, it has a public law character due to the transactions of the tourism
provider (Uygur & Turgut, 2015).
Regulation of the tourism sector at national and international levels is necessary both to
regulate tourism activities within the country and to promote tourism at the international level.
Therefore, tourism law is regulated by various laws, regulations and conventions at national
and international level (Yıldırım, 2008).
Social Impacts of Global Tourism
Considering the effects of global tourism, especially on local cultures (Doğan, 1998; 131), the
concept of social structure is a fundamental tool for understanding these effects. Social
structure refers to the basic elements of society, their place in society and the relationships
between them. In this context, it is important to refer to this concept to understand how
tourism creates change within the local community.
The impact of tourism can be not only short-term but also long-term. (Bottomore, 1998; 119)
Global tourism has become a major industry around the world. Tourists travel to explore
different cultures and geographies, to have new experiences and to relax. However, the

expansion and growth of tourism has significant impacts on local cultures. These impacts can
be both positive and negative.
First, tourism can help promote and preserve local cultures. Tourists contribute to keeping
these cultures alive by experiencing local crafts, traditional food and local festivals. At the
same time, tourism can stimulate economic growth and increase the income level of local
people while creating jobs. However, alongside these positive impacts, tourism can also bring
challenges to local cultures. Local traditions can be commercialized and lose their
authenticity, especially in areas where tourism is concentrated. In some places, tourism
demand can lead to overuse of resources and environmental problems. In addition, tourism
can lead to cultural misunderstanding and conflicts between locals and tourists.
When we examine the effects of tourism, it is important to consider how societies come
together and how these relationships are organized. (Doğan, 1998; 133) In this context, it is
important to consider how tourism can change the social structure by increasing the
interaction between different cultures.
The impact of tourism is not only in the economic dimension, but it also helps us to
understand how it leads to changes in social relations and behavior. (Özdemir, 1992;73)
As local communities interact with tourists, they try to balance between preserving and
transforming their cultural identity. When examining the impact of tourism on local cultures, a
number of important issues such as social structure, language, traditions, economy and
environmental factors should be taken into account. The importance of tourism for
sustainability and social cohesion should not be forgotten.
The impact of tourism on local cultures depends on how local people view tourism
development (Weaver and Lawton, 2014). The benefits that local people receive from tourism
can have a significant impact on their support for tourism. Tourism can bring a range of
benefits to a region's economy and society. These benefits can influence the attitudes of local
people towards tourism.
First, the economic benefits of tourism play an important role in local people's support for
tourism. Tourism creates jobs and provides growth opportunities for local businesses.
Restaurants, hotels, tour guides, handicraft producers and many other sectors generate income
through tourism. When local people see these economic benefits, it can lead them to support
tourism and develop a supportive attitude, and the social impacts of tourism can also shape
how local people view tourism. Interaction with tourists allows local people to get to know

different cultures and make new friendships. This can enrich social relations and lead to a
positive reception of tourists by local people.
On the other hand, the negative impacts of tourism should also be considered. Local people
may be concerned about the environmental impacts of tourism. Over-exploitation of natural
resources can lead to environmental pollution and damage to local ecosystems. Such
problems may cause local people to develop a more critical attitude towards tourism. The
impact of tourism on local cultures is related to how people living in areas where tourism is
developed feel (Long 2012, p.29; Ekici and Çizel 2014, p.84). Tourists have the opportunity
to get to know local cultures more closely by interacting with local people in the regions they
visit. This can be embodied in activities such as buying local handicrafts, sampling local food,
and attending local festivals. Such interactions can contribute to sustaining local cultures.
However, the relationship between tourists and local communities can sometimes have
negative impacts. Especially in areas subject to large influxes of tourists, problems such as
overuse of local resources, environmental degradation, commercialization of local markets
and traditional handicrafts may arise. In addition, the culturally disrespectful behavior of
some tourists can damage the cultural identity of local people. How tourists' relations with
local people are shaped is of great importance for the sustainability of tourism and the
preservation of local cultures. Therefore, tourists and local people need to interact with mutual
respect and understanding and respect local values. It is also important that local authorities
and the tourism industry provide education and guidance in this regard. In this way, the
positive impacts of tourism can be emphasized more while the negative impacts can be
minimized. When examining the impacts of tourism, it is important to understand the
contribution of local people to tourism development (Asmamaw and Verma 2013, p.507). The
tourism industry can provide economic and social support to local people, which can help
tourism to have positive impacts on the social structure. On the other hand, the impacts of
tourism on the social fabric are complex, vary in each region and occur in different
dimensions.
These impacts can be analyzed from economic, social, cultural, environmental and political
perspectives. From an economic perspective, tourism can contribute greatly to the economy of
a region. Tourists' expenditures support local businesses, create new job opportunities and
increase income levels (İlkin and Dinçer, 1991;101). At the same time, the tourism sector
provides employment for many people. However, the fluctuations and dependency of tourism
can negatively affect the local economy. Socially, tourism enables the interaction of different

cultures. Relations between tourists and local people can increase mutual understanding and
help to establish new friendships (Barutçugil, 1989;20-22). However, this interaction also
carries the risk of cultural homogenization. Local people may tend to adapt to the
expectations of tourists, which may lead to the loss of local culture. Environmentally, tourism
can lead to depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. Intensive use of
tourism sites can affect natural ecosystems and have negative impacts on local fauna and
flora. Politically, tourism can affect the political stability of a region. Tourism revenues can
provide additional resources to local governments, which can contribute to improving
services.
At the same time, however, overuse and unplanned growth of tourism can lead to political and
resource distribution problems. While tourism can generate economic growth and
employment, it must be carefully managed without harming cultural and environmental
values Tourism and
Social Change
The high comfort levels of tourist destinations may lead tourists to choose destination regions
as their permanent residence (Yentür Berrak D. 2023). One of the main factors behind tourists'
migration decision is the travel experience (Gudkov, 2021). During travel, by comparing the
country of origin and the destination, a person may prioritize the conditions of the destination
and even make a migration decision (Ohashi, 2019; Yentür Berrak D. 2023). In particular, in
the destination of Nha Trang in Vietnam, where Russian tourists visit for vacation, it has been
observed that they decide to reside in the destination over time. Similarly, it can be seen that
locals also aspire to the living standards and consumption habits of tourists and therefore
decide to migrate to their countries of origin. Behind this situation lies a tendency that global
culture weakens local values and societies tend towards more financial values (Cleveland and
Laroche, 2007). In particular, it has been observed that locals in tourist destinations have
become more interested in materialism and ostentation (Özekici, 2019). This suggests that
tourism offers a two-way effect on migration (Sherlock, 2001: 276).
On the other hand, policies implemented to attract tourists can expose destinations to irregular
migration by removing barriers such as relaxing visa requirements and facilitating residence
permits (Hall and Williams, 2002). This illustrates the intersection between tourism and
migration phenomena (Sherlock, 2001: 276). Travel to visit family and friends of migrants to

different countries is recognized as an activity that can increase the number of tourists
(Jackson, 1990; King, 1994). It has been determined in the literature that such travels increase
especially during periods of permanent migration (Provenzano and Baggio, 2017; Yentür
Berrak D. 2023). Migration based on visiting friends and relatives is based on the desire to
overcome asymmetric information by understanding both cultures of the people in the
migration regions (Okafor et al., 2022; Song et al., 2020). This makes it possible to transfer
the advantages of the destination country to the social environment of the country of origin.
This can ultimately lead to an influx of tourists to the destination country (Okafor et al., 2022;
Song et al., 2020). This mobility, which initially starts with touristic motivation, may turn into
permanent migration over time. These five factors can trigger migration to destinations. While
these migrations constitute employment, retirement and entrepreneurial migrations,
recreational-oriented migrations can also be observed in destinations. Employment-oriented
migration is usually dominant because it is the source of labor that destinations need (Dwyer,
2015: 7).
With the development of tourism, there have been cases where tourism inland destinations
have become a destination for migration (Choe et al., 2020; Choe and Lugosi, 2020). For
example, destinations such as Dubai and Singapore are known as regions facing tourism-
driven migration (Choe and Lugosi, 2022). At this point, more information is needed on how
migration can affect destinations. Migration is an important factor affecting tourism (Santana-
Gallego and Paniagua, 2022). The ultimate result of migration is to increase tourist
movement. Research shows that migration and tourist movement stimulate each other.
Migration regions can become centers of international tourist movement over time (Okafor et
al., 2022). Migration can lead to a direct increase in tourists, as well as additional migration
motivated by visiting friends and relatives (Williams et al., 2020). Migration can also
contribute to the development of alternative forms of tourism (Dwyer et al., 2014). Migration
can increase tourist mobility if it creates language differences (Okafor et al., 2021).
Emigration countries can increase foreign active tourism income through intermittent visits of
migrants to their country of origin (Urry and Larsen, 2011). However, this often depends on
the migrants reaching a certain level of prosperity (Adams, 2021; Choe and Lugosi, 2022;
Huang and Chen, 2021). Migrants' visits to their country of origin as tourists may also be
adopted by tourists over time (Song et al., 2020). This means that repeated trips to the
destination are possible before making a permanent residence decision (Oigenblick and
Kirschenbaum, 2002). The perception that migrants have settled in the destination can
increase the flow of additional tourists from source markets (Hall and Williams, 2002).

Therefore, destinations receiving migration may have the capacity to attract tourists.
Moreover, migration can accelerate tourism-oriented investments and attract investment to
destinations (Kenna, 1993). The masses coming to the destination as a result of migration can
initiate cultural interaction with the locals and increase the need for skilled labor for tourists
(Williams and Hall, 2000). Migrants can enrich the cultural capital of destinations and act as a
bridge between two cultures (Santana-Gallego and Paniagua, 2022). However, the process of
globalization can bring migrants' problems in the country of origin to destinations (Castles,
2016). Cultural differences can affect the cultural identity of locals and lead to communication
problems (Bianchi et al., 2020; Choe and Lugosi, 2022). Therefore, the interaction of
migrants and locals is important (Marcher et al., 2020). Tourism has a significant impact on
social norms and values. Touristic activities can bring new perspectives on societies' norms
and values and change existing ones. This impact is related to the many opportunities and
challenges that tourism presents to societies through cultural interactions (Yentür Berrak D.
2023; Gudkov, 2021).
Tourism provides a platform for different cultures to meet, and these encounters can lead
communities to question their own values and norms. In particular, tourists' interest in
traditions may increase the need for local communities to preserve and reassess these
traditions (Ohashi, 2019; Cleveland & Laroche, 2007). On the other hand, the impact of
tourism on social norms and values is shaped by the interactions between tourists and locals
in tourist destinations. How tourists and locals perceive each other can determine the impact
of tourism on social norms. These interactions can also influence how local communities
present their identities to tourists and how they respond to tourists' expectations (Özekici,
2019; Sherlock, 2001). Social identity is the way individuals feel they belong to a community
and identify as part of that community. The role of tourism is an important factor in social
identity formation. Touristic destinations offer a platform that shapes and redefines the social
identities of both tourists and locals (Yentür Berrak D. 2023; Gudkov, 2021). Tourist
destinations are spaces for the interaction of different cultures, and these interactions can lead
local people to revise and change their own identities. In particular, tourists' interest in
traditions and local values can encourage locals to emphasize and protect these values
(Ohashi, 2019; Cleveland and Laroche, 2007). The role of tourism in social identity formation
also affects how local people behave towards and perceive tourists. The external interaction
with tourists can determine how local people show their identities to tourists and how they
develop a social identity as a result of these interactions (Özekici, 2019; Sherlock, 2001).

Sociological Analysis
An analysis based on sociological theories can be used to understand the social impacts of
global tourism and the role of tourism in the social context. This analysis will help us to gain a
deeper understanding of the social impacts of tourism and the relationships between societies.
Our starting point for the sociological analysis of tourism is modernization theory.
Modernization theory points out that tourism contributes to economic growth and helps
modernize local communities. However, it also suggests that tourism can damage local
cultural values and economies and increase inequalities. The role of tourism in the
modernization process is complex and involves a number of different influences.
Tourism plays an important role in this phase of modernization. First, the economic role of
tourism in the modernization process should be considered. The tourism sector contributes to
the economic growth of many countries. It can reduce unemployment by increasing local job
opportunities and supports the national economy by generating foreign exchange earnings.
This supports the economic aspect of modernization. At the same time, tourism contributes to
the development of local infrastructure in the modernization process. The construction of new
hotels, roads, airports and other tourist facilities promotes the modernization of local
infrastructure. This is part of the physical infrastructure of modernization. But one of the most
complex effects of tourism in the modernization process is cultural change. Tourism can affect
local cultural identity, sometimes leading to commercialization of traditional items and
redefinition of local traditions. This occurs as a consequence of the cultural aspect of
modernization. In this context, another important aspect of tourism that needs to be taken into
account in the modernization process is the potential for increasing social inequality. Tourism
can increase job opportunities in tourist areas, but this can lead to increased income
inequality. It is therefore important to pay attention to these imbalances when assessing the
social impacts of modernization. The role of tourism in the modernization process involves
many different dimensions and can manifest in different ways in each country. For Turkey, the
role of tourism in the modernization process is very important. For many years, Turkey has
recognized the tourism sector as an important economic pillar. This sector has played an
influential role in the country's modernization process. First of all, Turkey's tourism sector
makes a significant contribution to economic growth. Tourism-based economies have
emerged in many parts of the country, boosting employment. Tourism revenues contribute to
economic growth by increasing the country's foreign exchange earnings.

Another impact in the modernization process of tourism is infrastructure development. Turkey
has made significant investments to develop infrastructure in tourist areas. New hotels, roads,
airports and other tourist facilities have been built and this has contributed to the development
of the physical infrastructure of modernization. Alongside these developments, however,
caution is needed regarding cultural exchange. Turkey has become a country where cultural
exchange has increased along with tourism. This is important in terms of preserving and
promoting local culture, but it can also lead to changes in cultural identity. The social
dimension of tourism's role in the modernization process should also be examined. Tourism in
Turkey contributes to local economies by increasing job opportunities in tourist areas.
However, this can also bring problems of income inequality. Therefore, attention should be
paid to these imbalances when assessing the social impacts of modernization.
Dependency theory assesses the social impacts of tourism by considering the economic
relations of developing countries with developed countries. This theory emphasizes the effects
of tourism on local economies and how these effects can be evaluated in terms of social
justice. The effects of tourism on income distribution and its contribution to the quality of life
of local communities can be analyzed in the context of dependency theory. Dependency
theory provides an important framework for examining Turkey's role in the modernization
process of tourism. Turkey can benefit from this theory when evaluating its economic
relations with developed countries and the effects of tourism on local economies. First,
Turkey's tourism sector has grown as a result of economic relations with developed countries.
The foreign exchange income brought to Turkey by foreign tourists has reduced the country's
external dependence and contributed to economic growth. This is one of the main features of
dependency theory. However, this theory also deals with the effects of tourism on income
distribution. In Turkey, the tourism sector contributes to local economies by increasing
employment, especially in touristic regions. However, this can also lead to income inequality
problems. Dependency theory draws attention to these imbalances by examining the effects of
tourism on income distribution. Tourism's contribution to the quality of life of local
communities can also be evaluated in the context of dependency theory. The growth of the
tourism sector creates job opportunities for local people, which can improve the quality of
life. However, this can also lead to overuse of local resources and environmental problems.
By addressing these contradictions, dependency theory examines the social impacts of
tourism in depth. When we examine Turkey's role in the modernization process of tourism in
the context of dependency theory, we see that economic relations, income distribution and
quality of life are important factors.

Cultural transmission theory explains how tourism promotes cultural exchange and shapes
local cultural identity. Tourists' interactions with different cultures can influence and
sometimes preserve and sometimes change local cultural identity. This theory is important for
understanding the cultural impacts of tourism. Turkey, as a country that interacts with
different cultures through the tourism sector, can benefit from cultural transmission theory. In
particular, Turkey's touristic regions are heavily visited by foreign tourists. This leads to
different cultures becoming meeting points. Tourists' interest in local culture encourages
cultural exchange.
Turkish culture, food, handicrafts and traditions are shared with tourists, while at the same
time foreign cultures can show their influence in Turkey. This is the main theme of cultural
transmission theory. But cultural transmission theory also addresses local cultural identity as
an important component of maintaining or changing cultural identity.
Turkey has to balance the growth of tourism with the preservation and maintenance of local
cultural identity. In some cases, tourist interest can spur efforts to preserve local culture, while
other times local culture is made more attractive to tourists.
Social justice theories provide an important tool to analyze the effects of tourism on income
distribution and social inequalities. We can focus on social justice theories to better
understand Turkey's role in this context. Turkey is a country where tourism development
makes a significant contribution to local economies. These economic contributions are
important in terms of the impacts of tourism on local communities. By examining the
economic impacts of tourism, social justice theories help us assess the effects on income
distribution. The contributions of tourism in Turkey to local economies and how these
contributions can be evaluated in terms of social justice can be investigated in the context of
social justice theories.
The results of sociological analysis of global tourism show that tourism has significant
impacts on local communities, cultural identities and social structures. The interaction of
tourists with different cultures has the potential to shape or change the local cultural fabric,
while increasing cultural exchange. While the economic contributions of tourism can have
positive impacts on local economies, they can also increase inequalities in income
distribution. Social justice theories provide an important tool for analyzing the social impacts
of tourism and can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable management of tourism.

In terms of social inequality, tourism is a complex phenomenon that has various impacts on
economic and social dynamics. First, the tourism sector can contribute to local economies.
Spending by tourists can lead to the growth of local businesses and increased employment.
However, this economic growth can often be unevenly distributed. Tourism can increase
income inequality among locals, especially when tourism-based businesses do not employ
locals in senior management positions. In addition, the high demand brought by tourism can
lead to rising prices and increased housing costs for local people, which can make their living
conditions more difficult. Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in tourist areas
can affect the local population and change traditional lifestyles. This may cause local
communities to question their cultural values and identity. In terms of social inequality, the
impacts of tourism can be different among local people. The economic opportunities brought
by tourism can lead to new job opportunities for some people and economic exclusion for
others.
CONCLUSION
The social impacts of tourism are analyzed in the context of dependency theory, cultural
transmission theory and social justice theories. Dependency theory emphasized the effects of
tourism on local economies and inequalities in income distribution. Cultural transmission
theory explained how tourism promotes cultural exchange and shapes local cultural identity.
Social justice theories have been used to analyze the effects of tourism on income distribution
and social inequalities. It is concluded that the income generated by tourism to local
economies can improve the living conditions of local people, but this effect can vary from
context to context. In the case of Turkey, it is observed that despite the significant
contribution of tourism to the local economy, inequalities in income distribution persist.
The results of the study reveal important discussion points in the context of international
tourism law. More effort is needed at the international level to better manage the social
impacts of tourism. Tourism policies need to take greater account of social justice principles
and ensure that local communities benefit more equitably from tourism.
It should be emphasized that future research requires in-depth analysis in different regions to
further understand and manage the social impacts of tourism. It is also important to update
international tourism law and take greater account of social justice principles. Bringing

tourism more in line with sustainability principles would be a step towards leaving a better
world for future generations.
This study examines the social impacts of global tourism from a sociological perspective and
analyzes the role of tourism in the social context. The findings suggest that policies should be
developed that take into account the economic, cultural and social dimensions of tourism. In
this way, tourism can be managed in a sustainable and equitable manner, contributing to a
more balanced development of societies. International tourism law should play a critical role
in achieving these goals.
RESTRICTION
The research is limited to scientific studies that have been conducted worldwide and have
been included in the literature.
NOTICES
Evaluation: Evaluated by internal and external consultants.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this article.
Financial Support: The authors did not report any use of financial support for this article
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