A Comparison of Preferences and Perceptions of Alternate Equity Operationalizations

Abstract

Seven operationalizations of equity that offer alternate criteria for allocating resources for leisure services were assessed using residents in a Texas city. The operationalizations were compensatory, equality, taxes paid, direct price, efficiency, advocacy and professional judgment. Two samples of data were selected using mail surveys of 903 households and by personal delivery and pickup at 200 additional minority households. A preference/perception grid showed professional judgment as being the only operationalization which received an above average score on both scales. Differences in residents' preferences and perceptions were related to gender, ethnicity and home value and not related to years of residence in the community or frequency with which residents used park and recreation services.

Keywords:

• community
• equity operationalizations
• leisure services
• perceptions

Notes

∗p < .05

∗ p < .05

∗∗Bonferroni adjusted alpha level: p < .007.

∗ p < .05

∗∗Bonferroni adjusted alpha level: p < .007.

∗ p < .05.

¹Deviation and

²adjusted deviation are from grand mean.

³Income was operationalized as the appraised value of respondent's home.

¹Deviation and

²adjusted deviation are from grand mean.

³Income was operationalized as the appraised value of respondent's home.