by Rita Salvatore
WP 4 - This paper set outs some of the thinking developed during a national sociological research project (PRIN 2004)... more
WP 4 - This paper set outs some of the thinking developed during a national sociological research project (PRIN 2004) coordinated by the University of Teramo about “Innovations in the development local systems of the Third Italy”. In particular, it refers to the role local productions can play in the configuration of new patterns of development based on the tourist valorisation of territorial resources. The idea these processes might lead towards the shaping of some “Districts of Taste” has been hypothesized. A typical mark within contemporary consumption experiences is that people have begun to look for what can be perceived both as unique and authentic. By choosing to consume a typical product instead of a standardized one, they can express a “taste choice”, able to perform a distance from mass culture products, often considered as anonymous, tasteless (even kitsch), and meaningless in terms of intellectual interest.
WP 5 - Within national parks’ latest regulatory innovations and thanks to the opportunities offered by eco–tourism, anthropic component is gaining a new pivotal role. In fact, whilst in the past men were considered as being guilty for destroying environment, now they are becoming themselves a resource to be enhanced. This kind of process is at the core of the configuration of more sustainable patterns of development, aiming to be considered as the more appropriate instrument for the revitalization of those areas (especially the mountain ones) which were reduced to marginalization both on a demographic and a social level, because of emigration flows towards big cities. A case study conducted in the National Park of Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains has offered to the researcher the opportunity to focus on the opportunities as well as on the critical situations that such a pattern can outline with regard to local communities.
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