”Alla behöver ju vatten” En kvalitativ undersökning om svenska turisters uppfattningar kring vatten och vattenkonsumtion på Bali

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine Swedish tourists perspectives on water consumption while traveling in Bali, Indonesia. Using qualitative interviews, the study also examines how problems linked to water consumption, access and distribution in Bali is understood from the perspective of Swedish tourists. The interview results are analyzed through theories of responsibility and environmental justice, and are further discussed using perspectives on power, societal structures and awareness. The theoretical discussion illustrates that tourists water consumption patterns are influenced by societal structures and habits, rather than consciousness on issues relating to water, even though there is some willingness amongst tourists to get educated and adapt improved water saving habits. The results also indicate that Swedish tourists have high ideals of justice in water related issues, but that their behavior and consumption do not always reflect these views. This due to the fact that sometimes, these views are in conflict between their perceived interests and the emotional value linked to their travels. Furthermore, the results indicate that Swedish tourists to some extent neglect their perceived individual responsibility in the issue of water consumption and place the responsibility for improving the unsustainable situation on other actors. Lastly, the study's results show that Swedish tourists experience a powerlessness in their capability to influence structures that together create inequalities and problems in the water supply in Bali.