Representations of Iberia at the turn of the 21st century in travel writing and social science: a quantitative approach

Abstract

The importance of representations is discussed, prompting analysis of travel writing on Iberia. Portugal is portrayed as materially insufficient and as a traditional society. Spain shows up materially disadvantaged, significantly less traditional, and a non-harmonious society. Negative views predominate regarding both countries, with Spain’s portrait depending mostly on a work shown as prejudiced. Scholarly depictions are used as benchmarks and explanations for mismatches discussed, including the worrisome possibility that travel writers may produce extremely negative portraits without an underlying prejudiced stance. Moral implications are found for travel writers and producers of representations in general.