The investigation of the relationship between social exchange, ethnocentrism and life satisfaction in tourism destinations

In this thesis, "What is the relationship between the local people's life satisfaction, social exchange and ethnocentrism in a touristic destination?" started with the question. In this context, it is aimed to examine the life satisfaction of local people in Alaçatı destination from the perspective of social exchange theory and ethnocentrism. In the first part of the research; the concept of life satisfaction and, accordingly, basic psychological needs are explained and what the dimensions of life satisfaction of local people in a destination are and what are affected by them. In the second part, the social exchange theory and related social carrying capacity are explained and the correspondence of this theory in the field of tourism is also mentioned. In the third chapter, after explaining the concept of ethnocentrism with its stages and dimensions, its connection with the phenomenon of social exchange is also included. In the fourth part; The method of the research carried out in Alaçatı destination, the purpose and importance of the research, the research hypotheses, the sample selected from the Alaçatı destination, and the data collection tool are explained. In the fifth section, which is the last section, data analysis and the findings are interpreted and results and recommendations are developed. Quantitative research method was conducted in the research. The data were obtained through the questionnaire prepared on the internet using the survey technique. Data were collected from 516 the people who participated in the research from the local community in the Alaçatı destination. Data collection was carried out between September 16 2020-April 27 2021. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed in the thesis. As a result of the research, it has been revealed that the ethnocentrism levels of the people of Alaçatı affect their life satisfaction positively. However, the interaction of local people and tourists in the region and the sectoral effects of tourism are unrelated to the life satisfaction of the people of Alaçatı. On the other hand, as long as the basic psychological needs of the local people, who have less ethnocentric attitudes and are respectful and tolerant towards different cultures, are met, their life satisfaction increases. In addition, when the local people with high ethnocentric attitudes interact with the negative effects of tourism in the region, their life satisfaction decreases. Finally, the marital status, educational status and age of the local people have significant differences on residents' life satisfaction.