Examining family-based nature activities among Latinx students: contexts for reinforcing family relationships and cultural heritage
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Annals of Leisure Research
Volume
25
Issue
4
DOI
10.1080/11745398.2021.1949733
First Page
451
Last Page
471
Abstract
There is a strong need to conduct research and inform practice related to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the leisure field (Floyd and Stodolska [2019]. “Scholarship on Race and Ethnicity: Assessing Contributions to Leisure Theory and Practice.” Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 37 (1): 80–94). Using a routines and rituals framework, we explored how and why Latinx families spend time together outside. We collected qualitative data via an online questionnaire from 134 Latinx students from an urban, west coast university. Findings showed participants engaged in a variety of outdoor family traditions from routine walks, bike rides, and backyard activities to longer ritualized adventures in parks, beaches, and natural areas that reinforced family relationships and cultural heritage. Engagement in family-based nature activities provided opportunities to strengthen relationships, communicate meaningfully, and spend quality time together, given fewer technological distractions outdoors. Participants suggested focusing on improving existing outdoor spaces and community facilities, implementing more family-based community events, and creating educational campaigns to promote participation in outdoor activities.
Keywords
family leisure, family-based nature activities, Latinx, Natural environment, outdoor recreation, race/ethnicity
Department
Child and Adolescent Development
Recommended Citation
Dina Izenstark, Kimberly A. Crossman, and Ellen Middaugh. "Examining family-based nature activities among Latinx students: contexts for reinforcing family relationships and cultural heritage" Annals of Leisure Research (2022): 451-471. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2021.1949733