Reflections on Measuring Discrimination: The Case of Outdoor Recreation

The transnational Gulf City: Saudi and migrant values of public open spaces in Jeddah

“…There was evidence of territorial groupings within some spaces (Al-Rawdah Gardens, the desert) and parallel socialising within others (the Corniche, the Hilton Walkway). The findings didn't reveal a clear pattern of marginalisation (Byrne and Wolch, 2009), or of 'under-participation' (concurring with Kloek et al, 2015), while the lack of incidental interaction between Saudis and non-Saudis indicates that parks mostly do not primarily function as sites for social integration (Peters, 2010). The interviews did not specifically uncovered narratives of discrimination of migrants (Gobster, 1998;Kloek et al, 2015;Peters, 2010) though it would be naïve to expect this not to shape migrant experiences in some form.…”

“…The findings didn't reveal a clear pattern of marginalisation (Byrne and Wolch, 2009), or of 'under-participation' (concurring with Kloek et al, 2015), while the lack of incidental interaction between Saudis and non-Saudis indicates that parks mostly do not primarily function as sites for social integration (Peters, 2010). The interviews did not specifically uncovered narratives of discrimination of migrants (Gobster, 1998;Kloek et al, 2015;Peters, 2010) though it would be naïve to expect this not to shape migrant experiences in some form. What is evident is that the public open spaces of Jeddah, however limited in quantity and quality, do provide a vital resource supporting wellbeing for both Saudi and migrant residents.…”

“…'Enjoy nature', 'Social encounter with family/friends', 'Relax', 'Forget daily life' and 'Sports/Health', Kloek et al, 2015, p53). However the situated nature of the fieldwork and an analytical focus on integrative and embodied experience of place meant that integrating descriptions headline these findings, connecting values of use with typologies of place, allowing close attention to the significance of context (Kloek et al, 2015). Within these core themes, dimensions of gender, transnationality and heritage as changing over time are predominantly Saudi, residential area of the city was infrequently used by residents, but was significant as a hanging out spot for the local workforce of drivers and guards, mostly migrants from India, the Philippines and Indonesia, to play cards, smoke and eat together.…”

“…Conducting ethnographic research on parks in neighbourhoods characterised by diverse populations, Neal et al, ( 2015) suggest that outdoor greenspaces are important sites of 'inclusive openness', supporting affinities across ethnic and cultural difference. Kloek et al (2015) highlights some of the complexities of understanding immigrant participation in outdoor leisure, noting the impact of discrimination and some differences in patterns of use but calling for research with more specifically addresses context (p.56). Byrne and Wolch (2009), addressing ethnic differentiation in park use (primarily in the USA), critique theories of marginality, race/ethnicity, assimilation and acculturation, and discrimination (p.749), and call for a conceptual model that allows for a more spatially explicit understanding incorporating historical and cultural perspectives.…”

Conflict and tolerance in urban outdoor recreation: A case study in Antalya and Berlin

“…Other articles and studies agreed on the research gap in Europe and they suggested comparative case studies or international collaborations to improve scientific knowledge on social environment of immigrants, cultural differences in outdoor recreation and its relationship with social inclusion (Gentin, 2011;Jay et al, 2012;Kloek et al, 2015;Leikkilä et al, 2013;Kabisch et al, 2015). Finally, social research in outdoor recreation science showed that culture and demographics influence peoples' motivations, expectations and preferences in the outdoor recreation (Priskin, 2003, Fleishman et al, 2004Sasidharan et al, 2005;Leujak, Ormond, 2007;Buijs et al, 2009;Sayan, Karagüzel, 2010;Sayan et al, 2013;Kabisch, Haase, 2014).…”