Progression, Stability, or Decline? Sociological Mechanisms Underlying Change in Specialization Among Birdwatchers

Abstract

Using a panel of American birdwatchers collected in 1997 and 2002, we tested the extent to which birdwatchers progressed over a five-year period. The impact different career contingencies and life course events had on predicting change in birdwatchers' behavior, skill, and commitment was also examined. Findings indicated that although progression characterized some birdwatchers' participation, involvement by others was better characterized by stability or decline, which was true for each of the indicators used to measure specialization. Career contingencies and life course changes had only a moderate influence on predicting change in the specialization indicators over time. Support from family members and retirement were the best predictors of change in specialization.

Keywords:

• career contingencies
• leisure careers
• life course changes
• panel studies
• progression
• serious leisure
• specialization

This research was funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act.

Notes

∗p <.10,

∗∗p <.05,

∗∗∗p <.01,

∗∗∗p <.001.