Beyond Economic Benefit: How Justice, Empowerment, and Political Trust Shape Residents’ Support for Space Tourism

Abstract

This study extends research explaining resident trust through cost–benefit evaluations of tourism development. In the context of space tourism development, a government-led initiative that offers residents limited participation and few direct benefits, we drew on Lefebvre’s right to the city to examine how perceived justice and empowerment shape trust in local government and support for development. Data came from residents of Sacheon and Jinju, cities designated as development sites. Contrary to expectations, SEM showed distributive justice and political empowerment did not enhance political trust. However, fsQCA revealed these factors played complementary roles within broader configurations leading to support, while social and psychological empowerment, with political trust, emerged as more consistent conditions. Support depends less on material benefits or formal authority than on recognition, collective efficacy, and trust. Theoretically, residents are reconceptualized as active urban actors assessing urban change; practically, the study underscores institutionalizing participation, transparent communication, and early benefits.