Recreation: a new profession?: a study of recreation's professional status

Abstract

Professional status is coveted by many occupations. When the term is strictly applied only a few occupations are ascribed this status. In contrast, when the term is used indiscriminately almost any occupation can be classified as a profession. This is a study about recreation as a profession. The central concern of this thesis is to examine the validity of recreation's claim to professional status. A review of the literature on the professions reveals uncertainty in defining the term, profession. However, two important traits which underlie many definitional attempts can be identified. They are the existence of a unique body of knowledge and the adherence of practitioners to the service ideal. Examination of recreation against these traits reveals limitations. Recreation does not have a monopoly over a unique body of codified knowledge which is valued by society. In relation to the ideal of service, recreation fares more favourably as most recreation workers adhere to this ideal, and are not motivated by self-interest. A review of the recreation education and training courses available contends that they fail to meet the standards set by other professional preparation programmes, primarily because of the lack of a unique body of knowledge to communicate. Professional associations are vital to the process of professionalisation. There is, however, no professional association that is primarily concerned with recreation, or with recreation workers. The New Zealand Recreation Association which is currently in the process of formation may fill this void. A survey of a sample of recreation workers reveals that many fail to meet a number of basic requirements expected of a professional, including: relevant formal education or training, professional association membership, and long-term commitment to employment in the profession. The study concludes that recreation is not a profession. It can best be described as a semi-profession, displaying some of the characteristics normally associated with professional status. A brief consideration of the relationship between professional status and recreation casts some doubt upon the appropriateness of professional status for recreation.