Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
capital is particularly low, the children's academic development is likely to be
poor. Two studies by Marjoribanks have shown that 'family environmental
contexts are moderately to largely associated with children's academic per-
formances and adolescents' aspirations' (Marjoribanks, 1998: 328).
Although mainly used in the context of education and learning, the
concept of family capital is not only useful to describe children's develop-
ment. The level of family capital can also affect the resilience of the family
as a whole, and thus influence (being part of social capital) each member
of that family. Belsey describes the concept of family capital, from this
angle, as having three dimensions: 'relations and the family network; family
resources (knowledge, skills and material resources); and resilience. Resilience
has much in common with the more widely understood concept of social
capital, which, when applied to the family, includes one or a combination of
the following: a sense of personal security, religious affiliation/practice, and
social and moral points of reference' (Belsey, 2003: 3). In his study the value
of family capital was examined for families confronted with AIDS. Being
confronted with AIDS can rapidly diminish family capital: 'family members
may react to the disclosure of the HIV status with anger and rejection …,
the bonds of trust and affection [can be] severely strained both within and
beyond the family as a result of discrimination and stigmatization' (Belsey,
2003: 6). The report goes on to say that both for the well-being of the family
itself, and to optimise its functioning in society, a focus on family policy is
required. 'The overall objective of family policy is to promote, protect and
support the integrity and functioning of the family by ensuring that family
capital can be accumulated and strengthened' (Belsey, 2003: 10).
Benefits of Social Tourism
Although social tourism is a long-established practice in many European
countries, research evidence on the subject in English is relatively recent.
This section reviews evidence from three recent studies in the UK, Belgium
and Ireland, and highlights how social tourism can increase both family
capital and social capital. It also explores how balanced family leisure
patterns can lead to the development of new skills, potentially resulting in
lasting behaviour change.
Multiple studies have shown that social tourism can contribute to an
increase in
family capital
(McCabe, 2009; Minnaert, 2008; Minnaert
et al
.,
2009; Minnaert
et al
., 2010). In each of these studies, social tourism bene-
ficiaries reported that the holiday allowed the family members to spend
quality time together away from the problems and the routine of the
home environment. In McCabe's (2009) study, this was evaluated as the
second biggest benefit of the holiday, reported by 76% of the surveyed social
tourism beneficiaries. On holiday, families may engage in new activities, or
do things together they would not do at home. In many cases, this resulted
