Since participation differences could result from disadvantages due to income or 

 educational differences between Blacks and Whites (the "marginality explanation"), or 

 from differences in population structure or location affecting participation (the 

 "demographic explanation"), these causal explanations are examined by holding these 

 independent variables constant; if participation rates of the two groups become nonsig- 

 nificantly different when these are controlled, the marginality and demographic positions 

 could be sustained. If significant participation differences remain, then other factors 

 are presumed at work. The ethnicity perspective is presented as a promising candidate. 



THE HCUS NATIONAL SURVEY 



The HCRS conducted its survey of the continental United States population to 

 assess recreation demands and needs as part of its Nationwide Outdoor Recreation Plan. 

 The sample design and data collection were performed by Opinion Research Corporation. 

 A stratified probability sample of 4,029 households was drawTi; age and sex quotas were 

 then used to select respondents within households for telephone interviews conducted in 

 June and July of 1977. Since the ethnic background of respondents was not revealed un- 

 til the end of the interview, no measure was taken to reduce cross-cultural interviewer 

 bias. A profile on the Black and White respondents is presented in table 1. 



Table l.--Profile of respondents — 1977 National Outdoor Recreation survey 





White sample 



Black sample 



Total respondents^ 



3,583 



315 



(N-3,898) 







Males (percent) 



49 



42 



Females (percent) 



51 



58 



Family income (grouped mean) 



$17,300 



$12,300 



Mean age (years) 



39 



34 



Mean education (years) 



12.6 



11.2 



Residence (percentage of group) 







Urban 



31 



50 



Suburban 



40 



25 



Rural 



29 



25 





100 



100 



Northeast 



26 



20 



South 



23 



49 



Central 



23 



18 



West 



28 



13 





100 



100 



^One hundred thirty-one respondents of assorted other ethnic groups 

 were omitted from the analysis, including Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, 



Native Americans, and Canadians. 



2 



