Racial and gender meanings of why people participate in recreational fishing

Abstract

This article explores the meanings associated with why people fish as a leisure pursuit. Comparisons are drawn across gender and racial groups. Exploratory factor analyses reveal a mosaic of race‐ and gender‐based meanings assigned to fishing. The most marked differences are present between racial groups, although gender contributed conceptually to meaning structures. More similarities than differences in meanings are present among anglers. The results underscore the importance of going beyond an examination of leisure participation rates and issues of choice among minority groups to broader concerns of the meanings of such activities. A discussion of the theoretical significance of place and subculture highlights the role of race and gender in creating meanings of leisure. Natural resource managers are encouraged to consider the meanings placed on leisure and recreation activities by racial and gender groups.