An Application of Nonparticipation Data In Recreation Research: Testing the Opportunity Theory

Abstract

Responses given for not participating in one or more of 19 outdoor recreation activities are analyzed to ascertain whether individuals belonging to distinct recreation groups and socioeconomic categories perceive recreation opportunities in the same manner. The findings suggest that the opportunity theory of leisure may be applicable only to certain segments of the population. Individuals from the lower social strata and less active recreation groups suggest that lack of interest is their main reason for noninvolvement. The responses from the more active recreation segments of society indicate that price, time, and facilities are the main barriers to their pursuit of certain activities; of these, supply factors were considered the most important, then lack of time, and finally costs. On the basis of the results and in view of the large proportion of society which does not participate in many activities, it is concluded that more intensive use of data on why people do not participate would be helpful in recreation research.