Steven F. Philipp

Race and leisure constraints

Abstract Many recent models of leisure constraints make no mention or measurement of race at any level of analysis despite its continuing importance in U.S. society. This study investigated the relationship between race and two basic measures of leisure constraint: appeal and comfort. A stratified random sample of 136 African American and 108 European American middle‐class households from a southern coastal city rated the appeal and comfort of participation in 20 different leisure activities on a Likert‐type scale. Significant differences (p < .05) between African Americans and European Americans were found in 12 activities (60%) rated on appeal and 12 activities (60%) rated on comfort, In addition, activities were ranked using mean appeal and comfort scores for African and European Americans, which showed fairly strong associations between these rankings. Although a measure of overall similarity between middle‐class African American and European American leisure ratings was found, important constraint di...

Race and gender differences in adolescent peer group approval of leisure activities

The leisure preferences of childhood and adolescence have generally been regarded as important to adult leisure behavior. Race has also been shown to affect adult leisure behavior and experience in...

Racial differences in the perceived attractiveness of tourism destinations, interests, and cultural resources.

This study of a stratified random sample of 213 households in a Southern metropolitan area investigated black-white racial differences in perceived attractiveness of tourism destination characteris...

Race, gender, and leisure benefits

This study investigated the relationship between race, gender, and 7 leisure benefits that are based on a Benefits Approach to Leisure (BAL) framework. A random sample of 47 blocks from a southern metropolitan census tract composed of racially integrated middle‐class neighborhoods yielded 99 African American and 107 European American households who rated statements representing 7 leisure benefits on a Likert‐type scale. Using 2‐tailed t tests, with an F (folded) statistic to test for equality of the 2 variances, significant differences (p < .05) between middle‐class African Americans and middle‐class European Americans were found on 4 of 7 leisure benefit scales (57%): relaxation, diversion, self‐expression, and social interaction. When gender was considered, African American and European American middle‐class men differed significantly (p < .05) on relaxation and self‐expression scales, whereas middle‐class women differed significantly (p < .05) on social interaction and self‐esteem scales. The 7 leisure...

Race and tourism choice: A legacy of discrimination?

Abstract This investigation explored racial differences in reported tourism preferences. Respondents were tested using statements related to four basic travel preference dichotomies: dependence vs. autonomy, activity vs. relaxation, order vs. disorder, and familiarity vs. novelty. Data from 213 randomly selected black ( n = 96) and white ( n = 117) respondents in a Southeastern US metropolitan area provide evidence that some preferences can be significantly associated with race. In addition to the usual theoretical explanations for differences in black/white leisure behavior, marginality, and ethnicity, it appears an understanding of racial prejudice and discrimination may help explain some differences in travel preferences.

Body-Shape Perceptions in Older Adults and Motivations for Exercise

This study examined the relationships among age, sex, exercise and body-image dissatisfaction in older adults and evaluated the role of body-shape dissatisfaction as a motivation to exercise. A pencil-and-paper questionnaire was administered to 175 older adults (101 women and 74 men) ranging in age from 50 to 98 years (M = 72 yr., SD = 9) to obtain general information, information regarding exercise participation, motivations for exercise and body-shape perceptions. A body-shape dissatisfaction score was calculated using the difference between the participants choice for current and ideal body shape from a nine-figure body-silhouette scale. Present study findings suggested that both older adult men and women expressed a desire for a thinner body shape independent of age and current participation in exercise. In addition, the results indicated that body-shape dissatisfaction did not motivate this sample to engage in regular exercise; physical health and physical fitness emerged as the most important motivations to exercise.

Time Orientation and Participation in Leisure Activities

This investigation explored time orientation and associations with participation in leisure activities. The Experiential Inventory, a projective technique, assessed time orientation by having respondents list their most important life experiences and then match each experience with a past, present, or future time. Data from 149 randomly selected respondents in a southwestern metropolitan area provided evidence that time orientation can be significantly associated with participation in a large number of leisure activities. The present findings showed a future time orientation seemed very important for understanding participation in leisure activities.

RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN PERCEIVED LEISURE CONSTRAINTS

This study of a stratified random sample of 171 households in a southern metropolitan area concerned racial differences in perceived constraints affecting participation in leisure activities. Respondents were asked to rank their three most important reasons for nonparticipation in 10 leisure activities. Using a Spearman correlation, African- and Euro-Americans were compared to examine the association between their rankings of leisure constraints. Significant correlations of > .60 between African- and Euro-American rankings of constraints were found for seven (70%) of the leisure activities.

Differences among African Americans and Euro-Americans in Reasons for Sports Participation

Findings from 829 respondents from the southern United Slates (323 African American, 506 Euro-American adults) in 64 nonschool leisure locations participating in 19 different sports showed that the African American and Euro-American groups differed significantly on the importance given to 2 of 6 reasons offered for their sports participation, “socializing with others” and “improving skills.” Both reasons were rated as of greater importance by African-American respondents. These findings have implications for designing, marketing, and evaluating adult sports opportunities.

Race and Perception of Acceptance in Nontraditional Sports

Analysis of responses from 632 respondents to a survey representing 4 military and 4 college locations in the southeastern USA indicated that race was a significant factor in perceptions of “welcomeness” or acceptance for seven of 10 nontraditional sports (70%). These significant differences persisted across sex, income, education, and location categories. When “welcome” scale scores were ranked, however, a strong association in ranking (Spearman rho = .66, p < .05) was found among racial groups. While it appears that many African Americans rated being much less welcome in nontraditional sports than Euro-Americans, both racial groups were likely to agree on which nontraditional sports would be more “welcoming” to new participants.