An examination of the interrelationships between energy consumption and leisure activities : a case study of Victoria, British Columbia
Date
1983
Authors
Kuhn, Richard G. (Richard George)
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Abstract
This thesis examines the interrelationships between energy consumption/conservation and recreation and leisure activities. The behavioral approach developed by geographers in the field of resource management is utilized, and a questionnaire survey undertaken, to test hypotheses formed from a review of the relevant literature and past research conducted by the author.
The first part reviews the development and application of the behavioral methodology with a focus on natural hazard research. The extension of this methodology into the area of energy conservation research is then discussed. It is noted that conceptual similarities between natural hazards and energy scarcity exist in that they may both be viewed as "negative resources." Thus, no new methodological framework is necessary to establish and test hypotheses. The remainder of the literature review focuses on studies undertaken on recreation and leisure activities and energy consumption.
The second part of the thesis reports the results from a questionnaire survey conducted by the author in Greater Victoria. A diverse amount of information was collected, including: attitudes toward energy issues, energy conservation practices adopted, ownership of recreation equipment, participation in recreation and leisure activities and perceived energy intensiveness of recreation and leisure activities.
The conclusions show that individuals are generally reluctant to modify their leisure behavior in response to energy scarcity or price increases. Differences in attitudes, socio-economic characteristics and equipment ownership did not alter their reported behavior. However, it was found that respondents consistently underestimated the energy intensiveness of all recreation and leisure activities they participated in, a factor which may, in part, be responsible for the general unwillingness to modify leisure behavior. Finally, this study has shown the applicability of the behavioral methodology as developed in hazard research to be valid as an initial starting point in developing a more wideranging and rigorous methodological framework relevant to all studies concerned with environmental resources.