Radioactive heritage: an autoethnographic investigation of Chernobyl as a dark heritage site

This research aims to unearth Chernobyl’s radioactive heritage through autoethnographic methodology. The autoethnographic method takes readers on a first-person tour of Chernobyl and the Exclusion Zone. In doing so, readers are given the unique first-person opportunity to experience the site, its heritage, and its value. The overarching questions addressed are whether Chernobyl’s heritage is universally valuable and does that value warrant UNESCO’s attention and possible consideration for future enlistment on the World Heritage List. This work should help bring new meaning to Chernobyl as more than just a dark tourism site. In visiting and learning more about Chernobyl, tourists will not only renew their awareness of nuclear disasters but will be inspired by Chernobyl’s heroes, nature’s resurgence and the transformative power of dark tourism sites.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Hryhorczuk, Nicholas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Denzin, Norman K.
• Santos, Carla A.
• Shtohryn, Dmytro M.
• Shinew, Kimberly J.

• Chernobyl
• Heritage
• Autoethnography
• Outstanding Universal Value
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• Nuclear Power

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 Nicholas Hryhorczuk

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/46781

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/46781