Tournament bass fishing: Commodification in a serious leisure activity
Yoder, Daniel G.
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/22865
Description
Title
Tournament bass fishing: Commodification in a serious leisure activity
Author(s)
Yoder, Daniel G.
Issue Date
1995
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Kelly, John R.
Department of Study
Recreation, Sport and Tourism
Discipline
Recreation, Sport and Tourism
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Anthropology, Cultural
Economics, General
Recreation
Language
eng
Abstract
Using the dynamic social world of tournament bass fishing as a backdrop, this research combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in a grounded theory approach for the study of commodification, serious leisure and the relationship between these two important social phenomena. Significant contributions were made toward understanding the use of purchased goods and services in leisure activities, the growing phenomenon of serious leisure and the symbolic relationship that exists between them.
The preponderance of high-tech fishing commodities in tournament bass fishing calls attention to the diverse uses and meanings individuals and groups have for their possessions. Commodities in this setting are potent social symbols whose purchase, possession and exchange convey to owners and others a myriad of diverse meanings. Commodities contribute to self and group identity, to growth through the acquisition of skills and knowledge and to the development and maintenance of a social world built around a unique ethos. Some tournament bass fishermen also use boats and equipment to display status and purchase power. In addition, producers and distributors of fishing commodities are shown to create as well as respond to demand.
This research offers a revised model of serious leisure for commodity intensive activities that recognizes the role of commodities and the individuals and groups that facilitate their use. Stebbins' model of serious leisure includes the three organizational groups of professionals, amateurs and publics. However, the revised model containing three new organizational groups--commodity agents, professionals/commodity agents and amateurs/publics--offers a more complete understanding of some serious leisure activities.
Finally, this research project demonstrates how various research methods may be combined to provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena and calls for continued research in these critical areas.
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