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The mark of most evolving fields growing out of parent disciplines is a continued advancement in theoretical application. Such advancements serve as the “lifeblood” of efforts that continue to “push the envelope” and ensure we contribute the most substantive research possible. Moving into the fifth decade of research concerning the social impacts of tourism, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture. Arguably, the question to ponder is not,“do we need to advance theoretically our field forward” but rather,“how do we do it?” An introspective examination of our past and present will help us to chart a path forward.

Though we now accept tourism impacts research to encompass inextricably linked social, cultural, environmental, political, and economic aspects, that has not always been the case. The initial push by impacts researchers focused heavily on economics (Deery, Jago, & Fredline, 2012), with social, cultural, and …