A Critique of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Class in Recent Leisure-Recreation Research

Abstract

The study of black-white differences in leisure activities has not produced conclusive or cumulative results. Among the factors responsible are a failure to adequately define and operationalize the theoretical constructs of “race” and “ethnicity,” the use of inappropriate background references, a reliance on the secondary analysis of inappropriate data, and the neglect of classic studies in race and ethnic relations. Three recommendations for future research are noted: definitions of basic concepts such as race and ethnicity must conform to the accepted meanings in race and ethnic relations; ethnic differences must be demonstrated by intervening measures of ethnic subculture; and future research must be extended to consider the activities of other (white and non-white) ethnic subgroups.

KEYWORDS:

• Black Americans
• Race and ethnicity
• social class
• social participation
• leisure and recreation studies