The hospitality phenomenon: philosophical enlightenment?

The emergent paradigm of hospitality studies does not have a coherent philosophical foundation. In seeking to identify a philosophy of hospitality this paper explores Derrida's contribution, along with other writers in philosophy and postcolonial theory, who are either writing in the field or have developed his works. Derrida and others are often cited within the context of the emerging paradigm of hospitality studies. In order to examine and critically evaluate the possibility of the construct of a philosophy of the phenomenon of hospitality, the review of the philosophical concepts is set within three perspectives: individual moral philosophy; hospitality and the nation states, and hospitality and language. Although examining the writings of Derrida and others provides an insight into the phenomenon of hospitality, a coherent philosophy of hospitality seems to be an enigma; possibly because hospitality is not a matter of objective knowledge

Hospitality and hospitableness

Not long after the word hospitality emerged as a collective noun to describe the commercial provision of services associated with accommodation, drinking and eating, some academics began to investigate the meanings of hospitality and hospitableness. Whilst most academic programme provision related to developing those who would subsequently manage the delivery of commercial hospitality services, the study of hospitality from an array of social science perspectives has yielded some interesting insights. This paper explores some perspectives to be gained from a variety of religions, particularly the universal need to welcome and protect the stranger. It goes on to show that genuine hospitality is offered without any concern for repayment or reciprocity. It then describes the development of a research instrument that can be used to identify those individuals who are driven by a personal desire to be hospitable to others.Keywords: Hospitality, hospitableness, hospitality research instrument, genuine hospitalit

Editorial: The developing field

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What to do about how to do: Reflections on the future direction of hospitality education and research

Hospitality management provision in higher education in the UK is well established, though most courses are overly concerned with developing “how to do” skills in graduates. This paper argues that this “how to do” culture is reinforced by student learning needs, as well as the industrial experiences and learning preferences of staff. This “how to do” agenda is also reflected in much research output. The paper reports briefly on the 2018 Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) research conference, and confirms that much research is practitioner linked and overly reliant on a narrow band of research methods. A more research-active academic culture would lead to more critical thinking in research methods as well as in course delivery and assessment. The inclusion of increased social science content in hospitality management programmes would also create a scientific underpinning to these courses that engage critical thinking. Finally, the paper suggests that programmes might benefit from the deliberate inclusion of topics that are purposely not relevant to the vocational mission.Keywords: critical thinking, hospitality management education, liberal arts content, scientific objectivit

Neo-liberalism and neo-slavery

Low pay and other minimal benefits at work cause some people to be in a state of neo-slavery. They are nominally free individuals and are not the property of others, but their economic standing and power is so limited that they have to work for whatever they can get; and just put up with it. This state of neo-slavery is not accidental, it is the outcome of neo-liberalism, the economic orthodoxy that now dominates the globe. Deregulation of markets, the privatisation of publicly owned assets, the shift in the disproportionate share of income and wealth controlled by a ruling elite, together with burgeoning inequality are all advocated in the name of the free markets as a scientific reality. Neo-liberalism has such a powerful grip that it is rarely discussed by name. These are just the way things are. This paper argues that the supposed inevitability of the neo-liberal agenda is driven more by blind faith than scientific objectivity. As such it is a religion pretending to be a science. Indeed the rampant inequality resulting from the neo-liberal prayer book is counter-productive, because more egalitarian societies are more successful, and are happier places to live.Keywords: hospitality pay rates, inequality, neo-liberalism, neo-slaver

Editorial

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Researching snails on holiday: An agenda for caravanning and caravanners?

Vacations spent in caravans account for a significant strand of the UK leisure market. The potential mobility, yet homelike structures, can be said to offer a base of security when staying away. Like snails, caravanners travel taking their domestic space with them, and when the weather is inclement, or fellow campers unattractive, they can withdraw into their home-like shelter. This research note explores some of the current research and publications about caravanning and caravanners. It also critically explores some of the gaps in current knowledge, as well as suggesting a potential agenda of research themes and topics. Specifically, the piece highlights the need for knowledge about those who choose to engage in this form of accommodation, and their motives for doing so. It is suggested that this should initially focus on the UK, but the note goes on to argue that there are interesting insights to be gained from contrasting and comparing international trends and patterns of usage, as well as the varying profile of users. It also suggests a need for more research on campgrounds and their owners.Keywords: caravanning, caravanners, outdoor hospitality, self-drive touris

Editorial

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Academy of International Hospitality Research Conference , 27–28 March 2018: slavery and liberation

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Editorial

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