A nationwide test of the status group dynamics approach to outdoor recreation demand

Abstract

Nationwide survey data from 1972 and 1977 were reanalyzed to investigate the outdoor recreation participation trends of respondents from various status groups. Results indicate that subgroup participation rates often change radically over time, and this change is not random. Trends were found that concur with past regional findings and are consistent with the “status group dynamics approach” to the analysis of outdoor recreation demand. This approach involves the application of sociological theories of status group processes and their effect on the dynamics of leisure life‐styles.

Key words:

• outdoor recreation
• recreation demand
• demand prediction
• status based diffusion
• status groups