• DOI:10.1108/03090560010331298
• Corpus ID: 144248248

The commodification of the past, postmodern pastiche, and the search for authentic experiences at contemporary heritage attractions

@article{Goulding2000TheCO,
  title={The commodification of the past, postmodern pastiche, and the search for authentic experiences at contemporary heritage attractions},
  author={Christina Goulding},
  journal={European Journal of Marketing},
  year={2000},
  volume={34},
  pages={835-853}
}

• Christina Goulding
• Published 1 August 2000
• Sociology
• European Journal of Marketing

Aims to explore the nature of authenticity as defined and constructed by visitors to sites of heritage. The concept of authenticity is explored through the literature relating to the commodification of the past and also in the context of postmodern theories regarding the blurring of the boundaries between high and mass culture. The paper draws on findings from a study of consumer behaviour at three distinct attractions and offers an explanation of authentic experiences in the light of three identified types; the “existential”, the “aesthetic” and the “social” visitor. These findings are then discussed in relation to theoretical and managerial implications.