Differential leisure participation in the arts within a multicultural context

Francis Tumkoba Achana, Purdue University

Abstract

The arts have been acknowledged as an integral part of the different avenues that people use to express their cultural heritage. A number of studies have examined the role that the cultural background and other demographic characteristics of people play in determining their preferences for specific cultural themes in their leisure. Some of the findings have indicated that these variables are important factors that help determine such preferences. Much of the research effort looking at the impact of cultural background on leisure preferences has, unfortunately centered mainly in the area of outdoor recreation. Participation in cultural activities such as the arts has received relatively less attention. The current study explored ethnicity theory and sought to examine the factors that may create differences in participation in the arts among people of different cultural backgrounds. Using data from the 1997 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts for the analysis, it was found that in the United States, ethnicity or race per se are not the most important factors that determine preferences in the arts, even though they do play an important role in some activities. Other demographic and lifestyle factors like age, gender, marital status, socioeconomic status, type of socialization into an art form, types of other leisure pursuits patronized by the individual, and the technology-driven changes in means of delivery of the arts tended to play bigger roles in determining differences in participation patterns in the arts among people, compared to simply ethnicity or race. With the demographic phenomena of an aging population, higher levels of technology-backed education and an increased level of multiculturalism occurring in the U.S. society, the findings of this study should have some implications for public and commercial policies in planning the supply of cultural and leisure facilities. Attention will have to be paid to the changes in demand for the arts that are created by the new demographic configurations of society. This will help ensure that all sections of society will be able to develop and pursue their interests in the arts.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

O'Leary, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Recreation

COinS