A Model for Commodity Intensive Serious Leisure

Abstract

This study was based on a portion of the author's doctoral dissertation at the University of Illinois (1995). The author wishes to thank Dr. Robert A. Stebbins and Dr. John R. Kelly for their review and assistance in manuscript preparation. Requests for reprints or inquiries sent to: Daniel G. Yoder, Western Illinois University, Dept, of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration, 400 Currens Hall, Macomb, IL 61455–1396; e-mail: [email protected]; Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]

This study explored tournament bass fishing, compared it with the conventional model of serious leisure and investigated the relationships among various groups in the sport. Data were collected using a mixed methodological approach that combined a review of documents, participant observations, in-depth interviews and self-administered surveys. Research subjects included members of two local bass fishing clubs, their significant others, ex-tournament bass fishermen and professional bass fishermen. Although the organizational model of serious leisure developed largely by Robert Stebbins provides a valuable framework for understanding many leisure activities, it is insufficient to explain this commodity intensive sport. This article posits a new model that recognizes the influential roles of commodity agents and professionals/commodity agents. In recognizing the conflictual elements as well as the functional elements in this particular social world, this research provides a more complete understanding of the relationships between the groups in commodity intensive serious leisure activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Serious leisure
• commodity-intensive
• tournament bass fishing
• amateurs
• social worlds
• commodification