The absence of childhood in tourism studies

The meaning of holidays for children and the role of the holiday in constructed subjectivities are largely absent in academic writings. Using the social constructionist research method of memory-work, this study examines memories of childhood holidays of Australian women and girls. It concludes that shared, fun, physical activities are common positive memories of childhood holidays across the generations. At the same time, women’s recollection of the imperative to behave responsibly and appropriately constrained their freedom. The paper addresses the implications of the findings for women and girls and questions whether the findings can be explained through cultural shifts in gender relations, the refashioning of experiences over time through memory and narration, or the context in which the memories are produced.