Reunion or disconnection? Emotional labor among individual roots tourists who are second-generation Chinese Americans

摘要: Purpose The purpose of this study is to illustrate the process emotional work undertaken by Chinese Americans who independently visit their ancestral land without joining organized tours define they are and where belong. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was chosen, as few studies have investigated experiences individual roots tourists. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 American To analyze data, a cross-case used. Findings The interview narratives revealed that interviewees mixed feelings about being identified while also made negative remarks local Chinese. The close interaction locals emphasized, rather than blurred, differences in language, political loyalty economic status between diaspora residents. results show draw clear boundary themselves “we” “they”. Originality/value This explores tourists an tour. This focus has been lacking literature because past tourism, particularly among second- later-generation immigrants, predominantly focused on those join group country. findings showed similar tourists, independent experienced intense “emotional labor” negotiating making sense competing identities, indicating social boundaries residents enmeshed daily lives. finding adds important knowledge tourism diaspora, growing segment visiting friends relatives market.