Volunteering for Dark Tourism, Social Action, and Disorientation in Tragedy-Stricken Places

Abstract

Dark tourism, characterised by visits to sites associated with death and tragedy, often becomes a platform for social action. However, current literature lacks a comprehensive exploration of potential social action outcomes, particularly concerning human rights advocacy. This chapter introduces a new conceptualisation of volunteer travellers' experiences, distinguishing disorientation as a unique state separate from transitional and permanent liminality. By exploring social action outcomes in dark tourism volunteering, the chapter highlights the transformative potential of such experiences. While volunteering offers opportunities for personal growth and social engagement, it also presents challenges that may hinder social action. Theoretical frameworks like the framing theory of social action and the critical incident technique serve as valuable tools for understanding the complexities of dark tourism volunteering.