Understanding the social impacts of festivals on communities (2024)

Table of Contents
You are here Abstract FAQs

My bookmarks

Small, K. E. (2007). Understanding the social impacts of festivals on communities.

Understanding the social impacts of festivals on communities (1)

Abstract

This thesis seeks to understand the social impacts that festivals have on their host communities. It focuses on community festivals as one type of event which have a particularly strong connection to their host community. Community festivals are traditionally organised by and for the local community, and often celebrate a theme that has developed from within the community itself. Community festivals provide members of a community with opportunities to engage in socialisation, entertainment and the establishment of social networks, which can contribute to the enhancement of community cohesion and the building of social capital within a community. Additionally, they can provide tourism benefits such as increased visitation and promotion of a destination’s image. However, there is the potential for negative social impacts to result from the hosting of a festival, including traffic congestion, overcrowding, vandalism and increased antisocial behaviour. This thesis seeks to understand the perceived social impacts of community festivals from the perspective of the resident population. Six important questions are addressed in this thesis: 1) what are the underlying dimensions of the social impacts of community festivals?; 2) what are a host community’s expectations and perceptions of the social impacts of a festival?; 3) are there distinct subgroups within a community who differ in their feelings towards a festival?; 4) do these subgroups hold differing perceptions of the social impacts of community festivals?; 5) can the Social Impact Perception (SIP) scale be used to measure residents’ perceptions of the social impacts of community festivals?; and 6) what are the implications of this research for the planning and management of future community festivals? In order to explore these issues, this study draws on literature from the areas of tourism and sociology. It is from the tourism literature, more specifically on events, that community festivals are introduced as the focus of this thesis. The sociological literature on communities reinforces the importance of the ‘community’ in community festivals, and examines the role that festivals can play in contributing to community development, community wellbeing and the enhancement of social capital. Two community festivals were studied, one in Western Australia and the other in Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from residents in each of these two communities at one point in time following the staging of their festival. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used, including semi-structured interviews, focus groups, observational techniques, document analysis and a residents’ perceptions questionnaire. The results revealed that there are distinct subgroups within a community who choose to be involved with their festival in a range of ways and who perceive the social impacts resulting from the festival quite differently. These subgroups have been labelled the tolerators, economically connected, attendees, avoiders and volunteers. Whilst holding varied perceptions of the positive and negative nature of the impacts and levels at which they occur, residents perceive the social impacts of community festivals to occur within six impact dimensions: inconvenience, community identity and cohesion, personal frustration, entertainment and socialisation opportunities, community growth and development, and behavioural consequences. Those residents who participate in the festival, either as volunteers or attendees, tend to be those who are most positive about the festival and its impacts. This participation in the community provides opportunities for social transactions, relationship building and the development of social networks, which in turn have positive outcomes for community wellbeing and the development of social capital. This research has a number of implications for the management of future community festivals, in respect to providing a better understanding of residents’ perceptions of the social impacts a festival creates; towards better satisfying the diverse needs of distinct community subgroups; and related to how festivals can be used to contribute to community wellbeing and the enhancement of social capital.

Understanding the social impacts of festivals on communities (2)52608 ViewsUnderstanding the social impacts of festivals on communities (3)6344 Downloads

Details
Title
Understanding the social impacts of festivals on communities
Language
eng
Date
2007
Author
Small, Katie E.
Handle
http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/37653
Subjects
festivals
social aspects
community organization
culture and tourism
Australia
social life and customs
Publication Type
thesis
Thesis Note
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Understanding the social impacts of festivals on communities (2024)

FAQs

How does festival affect society? ›

Festivals have direct and indirect impacts on their communities through the opportunities they provide for; participation, skills development and volunteering. They can also have environmental and political impacts. special events.

What are the social benefits of music festivals? ›

They offer an easy weekend activity, the chance to spend time with friends and loved ones, see multiple bands and music artists in one place, shop, and enjoy delicious local food. When they take place in a small town, music festivals also offer many benefits to the surrounding community: Boost the local economy.

What is festival in a community? ›

A festival is an extraordinary event celebrated by a community and centering on some characteristic aspect or aspects of that community and its religion or cultures. It is often marked as a local or national holiday, mela, or eid.

How do festivals benefit a community? ›

They can boost the economy of your community and increase the visibility of your local artists. They also draw in visitors from outside the area, boosting revenue for local hotels and restaurants and increasing tourism to your city or town.

What is the positive effect of festival in community? ›

The festivals have positive effects such as promoting the cultural heritage of the local people, promoting the city, increasing the number of tourists, creating additional cultural entertainment opportunities for the local people and increasing the quality of life of the local people.

What is the social impact of music on society? ›

Music, as a cultural right, may aid in the promotion and protection of other human rights. It can help in the healing process, dismantling walls and boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Around the world, music is being used as a vehicle for social change and bringing communities together.

What are the social benefits of music in the society? ›

The more we use music to bring us together—literally and figuratively—the more potential for increased empathy, social connection, and cooperation. I, for one, feel more connected to my human ancestors just knowing that someone took the time to carve that flute, succumbing to the primal urge to make music.

What is the social importance of music in the society? ›

Music is a symbol of connecting people and their values based on shared experiences. It is an important component of society as a means by which certain groups of people define themselves and their relationship to the rest of the world (Frith, 1987). Popular and art music represent two different musical cultures.

What value do festival develop in community? ›

They help preserve and celebrate cultural heritage, traditions, and history. They bring people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Festivals also provide an opportunity for people to express themselves creatively and artistically through dance, music, and other art forms.

How can festivals bring people together? ›

People share special meals or food Presents or cards are given Some people attend a place of worship Decoration e.g. lights can be put in homes and the community. El-ul-fitr is a Muslim festival for 'breaking the fast'.

What are some examples of celebration in the community? ›

Examples include team outings, holiday observances, charitable events, social responsibility projects, off-site team building, running clubs, festivals, and more.

Why are festivals so important? ›

Festivals are an excellent way of bringing people together from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds to celebrate in a spirit of peace, unity, and togetherness.

What are the benefits of cultural events? ›

Social Benefits

Most of the cultural activities are performed in groups thereby helping the students to develop a better understanding of the people around them. Interaction with other students belonging to different background helps in the development of interpersonal skills.

Why are festivals so enjoyable? ›

Festivals are the time for us to rejuvenate the spirit and explore our connection with nature. Through festivals, we learn about ourselves, the universe, and our culture.

What are the disadvantages of celebrating festivals? ›

Traffic congestion: Festivals often attract a large number of people, which can lead to heavy traffic and difficulty in movement. Health hazards: Celebrating festivals can also lead to health hazards, such as food poisoning from consuming unhygienic street food or the spread of diseases due to overcrowding.

What is festival in sociology? ›

Festival is an event, a social phenomenon, encountered in virtually all human cultures. The colorful variety and dramatic intensity of its dynamic choreographic and aesthetic.

What do we learn from festival? ›

It is during celebrations like these, children imbibe skills like being empathetic, taking responsibility, having compassion for each other. They also learn how to greet each other, welcome guests and make friends with people belonging to different age groups and learn how to appreciate each other.

What is the effect of festivals to the local economy? ›

These new tourists bring with them new money, further diversifying the market and subsequently increasing both real and potential revenue generation.

How does music contribute to social movements? ›

Music is an important component of social movements. It helps establish and maintain collective identity, leads to vitalizing emotions, takes advantage of free space afforded by political opportunities, and helps establish and maintain social movement culture.

How does music bring people together? ›

One of the most important benefits of music is its ability to create a sense of belonging between individuals. Music has been linked to forming both social closeness and familial bonds. Kids typically have a different taste in music than adults, and they use it more to bond with their friends.

How does music bring cultures together? ›

Through the exchange of musical influences, live performances and music festivals, and the emotional connection it evokes, music has the ability to bring people from different backgrounds together and create a sense of unity and understanding.

What is the social economic importance of music? ›

They bring in tourists, create jobs and generate income for local businesses. Live music events also provide a platform for musicians to showcase their talent and build a fan base. In today's article, we will discuss the economic impact of music events and how they contribute to the local economy and the wider GDP.

How can music be used to promote social justice? ›

Songs can often serve as inspiration for students to examine aspects of social justice such as “accepting others, challenging discrimination, examining privilege, and rejecting violence” (Levy & Byrd, 2011, p. 64).

What lessons and values do festivals teach us? ›

Seven Moral Values That Your Kids Can Learn During Festivals
  • Sharing. ...
  • Respect. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Responsibility. ...
  • Benevolence. ...
  • Ethics. ...
  • Affection.
Feb 20, 2020

How will you promote a local festival in your community? ›

Marketing materials, social media conversations, and contests can boost excitement, bring the festival experience to the fans, and increase ticket sales, but you should start months in advance of the festival to ensure it's as successful as possible.

Which is a positive effect of festival dancing to the community? ›

1. Improvement of social demeanor and development of camaraderie to the community. 2. Demonstration of respect toward culture, traditions, or customs of a certain community.

Why do festivals bring people together? ›

They are a perfect way to celebrate heritage, culture, and traditions, to entertain through music and film, and to provide educational opportunities for attendees.

How do you socialize at a festival? ›

  1. 9 Tips to Make New Friends at a Party or Festival when going Solo. ...
  2. Going solo is better than not going at. ...
  3. Give away your stress wings and let it fly away! ...
  4. Wear cool trinkets / Talk about music. ...
  5. Take a lighter with you (or a pen) ...
  6. Bring a Fan. ...
  7. PRETEND YOU LOST YOUR FRIENDS. ...
  8. Getting a Group Together Through a Party App.

Do you think culture has a major impact within the community? ›

Culture is a reflection of a community or nation. This makes culture a vital and important determining factor of how the community reacts, responds, and grows. Culture plays a major role in the lives of everyone in the society. Culture gives you a sense of belonging, especially when everyone speaks the same language.

How important are celebrations in people's lives? ›

Celebrating is good for people. It's an opportunity for activity, conversation, laughter and excitement. Parties can mean games and singing and even dancing. Laughter opens airways, lowers blood pressure and relaxes tight muscles.

Why do groups of people celebrate? ›

We celebrate because it reminds us of milestones in our lives or traditions in our culture. One way of distinguishing one culture from another is through the celebrations we hold every year. This, in a way, builds our identity and strengthens our connection to our traditional roots.

What is festival in simple words? ›

noun. 1. : a time of celebration marked by special observances. : feast sense 2. : an often periodic celebration or program of events or entertainment having a specified focus.

Why are festivals important to religious communities? ›

These festivals are often a time of great celebration and help believers to remember important beliefs in their religion. Religious celebrations bring faith communities together to celebrate these shared beliefs and values.

What are the benefits of cultural benefits? ›

With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others, culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities.

Why are cultural celebrations important to societies? ›

Cultural celebrations foster respect and open-mindedness for other cultures. Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us. To understand other's perspectives, to broaden our own, and to fully experience and educate ourselves. In a word, heritage.

What are the benefits of cultural community? ›

Local culture provides a sense of identity for rural communities and residents. This identity facilitates common understandings, traditions, and values, all central to the identification of plans of action to improve well-being.

What comes into your mind when you hear the word festival? ›

It is a special occasion of feasting or celebration,that is usually religious.

How does festival affect culture? ›

Festivals impact on the image of the celebrated cultural field. Festivals provide attendees with the opportunity to craft a shared space and build a shared vision through which they could construe and share the image of the cultural industry they belong to.

What is cultural impact of festivals? ›

Festivals offer socio-cultural benefits. They allow host. communities to show their local traditions, religiosity, art forms, food, and identity through collective efforts.

How do festivals contribute to the culture of the people? ›

They are a perfect way to celebrate heritage, culture, and traditions, to entertain through music and film, and to provide educational opportunities for attendees.

What are the effects of festivals? ›

Festivals not only celebrate changing seasons but also harvest, reconciliation and the birth anniversaries of saints, gurus, prophets, and to honour gods and goddesses.

What is an example of cultural impact? ›

Changes that affect individuals' surroundings (architecture, arts, customs, rituals etc.) owing to influxes of tourists constitute cultural impacts.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 6016

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.