Socialization And Outdoor Recreation

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On the surface socialization could seem to simply depend on the preference of the individuals regarding their involvement in outdoor recreation. While a definite stage in the process, factors of gender, age, location, culture, family dynamic, and personal attitudes can deeply influence a person’s socialization into outdoor recreation. Childhood Theories and Youth Socialization Socialization from childhood can play a large role in patterns and choices younger children make consistently as they grow older. Motivation for a certain activity can depend on what the parents participated in as they grew up as well as sibling similarities and the need to connect within the same forms of recreation (Ibrahim & Cordes, 1993, p. 69). Historical research regarding socialization and characteristics association was measured in a number of different studies. The Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission (ORRRC) published two different studies in 1962 focusing on linking social aspects to outdoor recreation participation (Yoesting and Burkhead, 1972, p. 3). According to Yoesting (1972), ORRRC concluded “once a person has acquired experience with an activity, he is more likely to continue as he grows older than people who do not engage in this activity in their youth.” (p.3) Yoesting and Burkhead’s (1972) study on the significance of childhood recreation and its effects into adulthood recreation socialization was published with certain socialization hypotheses to confirmed by certain trends. Theories proposed were personal community, opportunity, and pleasant childhood memory theory. Personal community theory describes that one’s inner social circle of acquaintances would be of greater influence on leisure and outdoor recreation behavior ... ... middle of paper ... ...sibly establish management standards (Shelby & Waske, 1991, p.174). If managers can establish a pattern of socialization that is forming, standards could be established that agree among users and user groups. Recreation groups have been shown to be important determinants of recreation experience expectations and preferences (Heywood, 2002, p.272). It can be difficult for managers to assist in the socialization of outdoor recreation areas for urban populations where there is less recreation space to work with. The amount of green space is limited, the demand for activities is varied, and the clientele itself is diverse (Stodolska et al. 2010, p. 37). Socialization plays a bigger role in outdoor recreation than one would think. Keeping with current trends while looking for predictors of the future is a common goal that managers will need to hold as a high priority.

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