Differentiating busking from begging: A psychological approach

Abstract

Despite the research support that street performance is generally a beneficial element to public space, the legitimacy of street performance remains controversial. One critical issue is that busking is often confused with begging. With a psychological perspective, the present research examines the distinction of busking from begging. Two studies approached the problem from the viewpoints of street performers and passersby, respectively. Study 1 (N = 188) surveyed street performers on their reasons for street performance and reasons for why donations to street performance should be acceptable. The respondents could articulate various features of street performance along which busking could be similar to and yet distinguishable from begging. Study 2 (N = 189) experimentally compared busking and begging in how they could affect people’s perception of public space. Relative to public space with begging, public space with busking was perceived as significantly more comforting, more active, less prone to crimes, and overall more likeable. These descriptive (Study 1) and experimental (Study 2) findings help to clarify the difference between busking and begging: Street performance is not merely an act of soliciting donations in public space, but it also possesses artistic and entertaining qualities that can in turn make public space more favorable. The current findings can inform the policy making and regulations of street performance. Moreover, since the present research was conducted in Hong Kong, it contributes a cultural perspective to the literature on street performance.

Field experiment on the effect of musical street performance/busking on public space perception as mediated by street audience experience

“…Overall liking refers to the level of liking or enjoying a particular setting. Previous studies found support for the effect of street performance on this variable 16,22,23 . Hence, it is sensible to expect that street performance could enhance the overall liking of a public space.…”

“…"Much of the history of street performance… is found in laws that prohibit it" (p. 22), as Harrison-Pepper 7 summarizes. While it has been argued that street performance should be seen as a fundamental right to free expression 46 , various regulations are imposed on it in cities around the world, with some being acknowledged as potentially conducive 2,3,39 and others criticized as ineffective 16,20,47 to the busking culture. As www.nature.com/scientificreports/ Astor 43 points out, the status of street performers and their freedom to express in the public space depend critically on whether their presence is perceived as a desirable or undesirable element of urban life.…”

“…Sonic restorativeness was measured with a nine-item Perceived Restorativeness Soundscape Scale proposed by Payne 34 . Overall liking was measured with a four-item scale used in previous studies 16,23 . The six factors of SAE were measured with a 24-item (four items each) SAE Scale proposed by Ho and Au 13 .…”

“…A substantial body of research has inquired into street performance [1][2][3]7,11,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20] . This research inspires two psychological questions, which are the focus of this article.…”

Customer Values and Repurchase Intention in Pasar Lama Culinary Center, Tangerang

“…Physical environment, as part of services cape, including its decoration, interior design, lighting, music, temperature, and overall ambiance, also affects perceived value (Gülertekin & Genç, 2021). Physical environment in street food context might include eye-catchy design, proper lighting, and street-based entertainment (Ho & Au, 2021;Seo & Lee, 2021). Price, as a critical consideration for consumers, influences their satisfaction and repeat purchase intentions.…”