Gender Identity, Leisure Identity, and Leisure Participation

Abstract

We adapted identity theory to explore relationships between gender identity, leisure identity, and leisure participation. Based upon the premise of identity theory, we hypothesized that the intensity of participation in recreational golf would be predicted by their gender identity (masculine/feminine) and leisure-related identity of “golfer.” Our analyses explored these relationships among men and women golfers. Our data offered partial support for our hypothesized model. For men, masculine identity had both direct and indirect effects on golf participation- partially mediated by “golfer” identity. Alternately, for women, masculine identity indirectly influenced leisure participation, also mediated by “golfer” identity. These findings provide insight on the utility of identity theory for understanding leisure behavior, in general, and the influence of gender on leisure, in particular.

KEYWORDS:

• Identity theory
• gender identity
• leisure identity
• leisure participation