Barriers to Participation among Underrepresented Populations in Outdoor Programs

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.