International Journal of Qualitative Research
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): November

Towards Inclusive Tourism Governance: Social Inequality and Community Representation in Soppeng Tourism Villages

Irwan (Unknown)
Djohar (Unknown)
Badrus Zaman, Akhmad Roja (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This article analyzes social inequality and community representation in the governance of tourism villages in Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi. The research used a qualitative approach with an exploratory case study design in three tourist villages: Lompulle, Bulue, and Mattabulu. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation, then analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis techniques. The results showed that local social structures play a central role in determining policy direction, benefit distribution, and tourism decision-making. Community participation is collective yet hierarchically structured, while informal mechanisms such as customary deliberations serve as a means of conflict resolution. The involvement of women and youth tends to be limited to operational functions, not at the strategic level. These findings show that the seemingly participatory governance of tourism villages is actually still trapped in patronistic logic and structural exclusion. Therefore, this study recommends the importance of policy interventions that strengthen inclusive representation and equitable distribution of power to support sustainable tourism development based on social justice.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijqr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Qualitative Research is an International Journal, Peer-Reviewed, and Open Access which is devoted to disseminating the results of qualitative research. IJQR does not accept a critical review manuscript. The scope of publication in the International Journal of Qualitative ...