Literature
Barriers to Participation among Underrepresented Populations in Outdoor Programs
Profile
Schwartz and Corkery, 2019
Abstract: This study investigated the barriers to participation with outdoor programs for women and people of color, who traditionally participate in outdoor recreation at disproportionately low levels. The study begins with a synopsis of research on outdoor recreation constraints for women and people of color. A survey of students (n = 318) at a midsized public university in the Southeast provided data on differences of perceptions of constraints. Women were found to be significantly more affected by socialization/subculture barriers and economic/access barriers than men. Focus groups with women and people of color further suggest that both women and people of color are influenced by socialization/subculture barriers and economic/access barriers and that discrimination plays a role in reduced participation by students of color. Suggestions are made for ways outdoor programs may attempt to mitigate these barriers for underrepresented groups.