Cross-sectional survey reveals distinct participation styles between male and female birdwatchers despite equal commitment, indicating gendered dimensions in serious leisure.
Key Points
To investigate how gender relates to recreation specialization, commitment, and dimensions of serious leisure among birdwatchers.
Surveyed birdwatchers to compare males and females on recreation specialization measures, including trip frequency, species identification ability, and equipment ownership.
Assessed commitment levels, durable benefits, and motivational outcomes associated with serious leisure across genders.
Males were more likely than females to take birdwatching trips, identify birds by sight and sound, and possess specialized birding equipment.
Males and females showed equivalent levels of commitment and were equally likely to report durable personal benefits over time.
Males were more likely to use birdwatching to display technical skills, whereas females placed greater value on personal enrichment, enjoyment, and satisfaction.