Beyond Progression in Specialization Research: Leisure Capital and Participation Change

Abstract

Recent specialization research shows that progression along a unidirectional continuum from novice to expert is more the exception than the rule. We argue that a capital metaphor of changing leisure investments provides a better way to explain multidirectional participation. We propose four mechanisms of leisure capital investments. First, contemporary diversification of leisure opportunities may encourage people to use their leisure capital in more, rather than fewer activities. Second, limitations in one's abilities, desire, or situation may produce casual or declining activity participation. Third, people may develop casual leisure routines that provide organization, routine, and predictability in everyday life. Finally, life-course change leads to activity attrition as leisure capital is devoted to new age and life-stage appropriate activities. These mechanisms enhance the ability of the specialization framework to overcome the unidirectional nature of progression, and allow a more dynamic conceptual framework of participation over time.

An Examination of Whitewater Boaters’ Place Attachment and Specialization in Four Different River Settings

“…However, progression is the exception rather than the rule (Backlund and Kuentzel 2013; Kuentzel and Heberlein 2006) and specialization does not always show a linear progression because of, for example, life-course changes (Kuentzel and Heberlein 2006). …”

Using catch orientations to identify clusters of North Carolina trout anglers

“…The prevalence of beginners using flies as their mode of entry into angling challenges the traditional path of angling specialization, as fly angling is inherently more specialized than natural-bait approaches (Bryan 1977). Both these findings support the idea that recreation specialization is not a continuous linear process with a common terminus across anglers and that time spent in the fishery does not indicate specialization advancement (Kuentzel and Heberlein 2006;Oh et al 2010;Backlund and Kuentzel 2013). Although we did not explore specialization specifically, if we assume linear progression so years of angling experience is correlated with specialization, we also find it interesting that consumptive anglers who use natural bait and artificial lures have a similar experience level to trophy anglers.…”

Recreational specialization and ecologically responsible behaviour of Chinese birdwatchers in Hong Kong

“…The term 'recreational specialization' was first defined by Bryan as 'a continuum of behaviour from the general to the particular, reflected by equipment and skills used in the sport and activity setting preferences' in a study of fishermen with different levels of specialization (Bryan, 1977, p.174). Recreational specialization develops through a series of stages of increasing involvement over time (Backlund & Kuentzel, 2013;Oh, Sorice, & Ditton, 2010). Long-term participation in a leisure activity tends to increase an individual's specialization, which is reflected in their skill level, equipment choices, and proficiency.…”