Effects of Acculturation and Structural Assimilation in Resource-Based Recreation: The Case of Mexican Americans

The study examines the effects of Mexican American acculturation and structural assimilation on outdoor recreation patterns. Based on ethnic assimilation theory, we hypothesized that the greater the level of acculturation or primary structural assimilation, the more similar Mexican Americans would be to Anglo-Americans in their outdoor recreation behavior. Data to test these hypotheses came from a telephone survey of 1,057 households in Maricopa and Gila counties, Arizona. Analysis of covariance indicated that acculturation and primary structural assimilation each had impacts upon Mexican American recreation. In general, primary structural assimilation had its most apparent effects on site visitation, while acculturation was reflected most clearly in activity participation patterns.