Prosumer Neo-Tribes: An Ethnography of Recreational Cycling Communities

Abstract In postmodern community studies, a neo-tribal theoretical framework has been proposed to elucidate recreational and touristic communities, positing that neo-tribes coalesce around shared consumer experiences. This study diverges by examining the productive functions of recreational and tourist communities through the lens of prosumerism. The study investigates two distinct recreational cycling tribes in Türkiye using ethnographic methods and participatory observations. The findings highlight that these cycling tribes play active roles in organizing events, developing visitor experiences and destinations, and generating both economic and social benefits. This study introduces the concept of prosumer tribes within the leisure and tourism literature, supported by empirical evidence. It offers implications for policymakers and businesses seeking to understand and harness the prosumer dynamics within recreational cycling communities.