Domination Practices on Tourism Trainees in the Working Space

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the domination practices to which tourism undergraduate students are exposed during their internships. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, a case study approach was adopted. The participants were selected from Anadolu University Faculty of Tourism students who completed an internship and encountered problems during it. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 tourism undergraduate students in 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques, and the codes were classified under four main themes. Findings – The data reveal that interns were exposed to several domination practices, including physical, material, and status-based forms. Furthermore, trainees were subjected to domination through control mechanisms. Discussion – Internship increases students' practical gains and prepares them for transition to the sector. However, the fact that some students give up working in the industry after their internship points to a significant problem. If the working conditions in the sector are improved, the qualified personnel needed by the tourism sector will participate in the tourism employment market.