Notes

Outline

Crowding, Conflict & Displacement Prof. Ed Krumpe RRT 287

Crowding, Satisfaction & Displacement The link between crowding and satisfaction is often very weak. Satisfaction depends upon more than crowding. People will re-define their expectations to match the situation they encounter. “Displacement” and the “Last Settler Syndrome” result

Displacement Recreation Displacement is the decision to change your behavior caused by adverse changes in the recreation environment. Other causes of displacement: Age Family life cycle Career Residency

Last Settler Syndrome Even though the setting has changed considerably, at any point in time, most visitors express high levels of satisfaction. WHY? Those dissatisfied with the changes have been displaced; those remaining judge the existing setting based upon how they first encountered it.

What is the Role of Crowding? Crowding involves Privacy / Personal Space / Territoriality Privacy -- an interpersonal boundary process by which a person or group regulates interaction with others. Personal Space -- the area immediately surrounding the body where a person alters their distance & angle of orientation from others to control level of desired interaction.

What is Crowding? Territoriality -- behaviors that include possession, marking, & defense of objects and areas. Commonly exhibited examples in recreation settings: beach blanket, picnic table w/picnic basket camp chair, tent, cooking gear

“Crowding” Defined Density = Number of people per area Different norms for: Place Season Activities Norms for Behavior Norms for Privacy Crowding results when your Achieved level of Privacy is less than your Desired level of Privacy

A Model of Crowding

The Role of Solitude Solitude varies with the setting “True Solitude” = Complete Social Isolation Paradox of Solitude People want to be “Alone with Others” “Backcountry Solitude” = Achieving the desired level of privacy (isolation) for you and your group.

Recreation Conflict

What is Recreation Conflict? Is it just one activity pitted against another? Is it just a question of motor versus muscle? Does it mean that all skiers hate all snowboarders? Does it mean that different activities can never co-exist?

Recreation Conflict For an individual, conflict is defined as goal interference attributed to another’s behavior. Not the same as competition for scarce resources or opportunities. Conflict is a special class of user dissatisfaction, where the cause of one’s dissatisfaction is identified as another group or individual’s behavior.

Factors Affecting Recreation Conflict Experience levels more experienced users are more sensitive to higher densities of use. Characteristics of those encountered perceptions of alikeness similar mode of travel smaller parties are preferred Asymmetric antipathy (unequal impact)

Factors Affecting Recreation Conflict Location of encounters less tolerant near campsites more tolerant at portals and along trails Activity specialization intensity of participation (central life interest) longer experience higher skill level more specialized equipment more specific resource dependency

Factors Affecting Recreation Conflict Lifestyle Tolerance -- the tendency to accept or reject lifestyles different from one’s own. Situational Group Norms – following the crowd, taking cues from the reaction of others around you.

Reactions to Recreation Conflict Stereotyping -- asymmetrical disruptions may lead to blanket accusations. Scapegoating -- the process whereby feelings of personal frustration or failure are projected onto another. Displacement or Anti-Social Behavior