RACIAL AND GENDER MEANINGS OF WHY PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN RECREATIONAL FISHING

This article explores the meanings associated with why people fish as a leisure pursuit. Comparisons are drawn across gender and racial grou ps. Exploratory factor analyses reveal a mosaic of race- and gender-ba sed meanings assigned to fishing. The most marked differences are pres ent between racial groups, although gender contributed conceptually to meaning structures. More similarities than differences in meanings ar e present among anglers. The results underscore the importance of goin g beyond an examination of leisure participation rates and issues of c hoice among minority groups to broader concerns of the meanings of suc h activities. A discussion of the theoretical significance of place an d subculture highlights the role of race and gender in creating meanin gs of leisure. Natural resource managers are encouraged to consider th e meanings placed on leisure and recreation activities by racial and g ender groups.