LE3 .A278 2006

2006

Robertson, Brenda

Acadia University

Master of Recreation Management

Masters

Recreation Management

Kinesiology

This study sought to explore the relationships between recreation and social cohesion within an isolated island community. A downturn in the fishery has caused a diversification of the economy with the introduction of tourism based industry. In order to understand the nature of social cohesion and recreation, life in the community was investigated before the economic change took place as well as in the present. Multiple methods of data collection were employed including interviews with key sector stakeholders, focus groups with relative newcomers to the community, a household survey, along with a review of documentation reflecting the social life of the community. The results indicated that during the past 30 years, there has been a considerable decline in both the availability of recreation within the community as well as in community cohesion. Despite being a small community with a limited population it appears as though it is lacking in vehicles to bring the community together a service once provided by women volunteers who organized recreation activities. Economic and social change has limited the time available for women to provide community events, and those with the time have not been empowered to assume the responsibility.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:117