Ethnicity and preference for natural settings: A review and recent findings

Abstract

Substantial differences have been found between the recreational pursuits of blacks and whites. In the related area of environmental preference, however, agreement generally exists across many cultural groups. None the less, the existence of some discrepant findings suggests that further explorations of black and white preferences for the nearby natural environment are appropriate. This paper addresses three specific issues. Are there substantial ethnic differences in preference? Are there identifiable environmental variables underlying such differences? If differences exist, do they reflect differing preferences for built as opposed to natural settings? A literature review and the results of a three-phase photograph study suggest answers to these questions. Substantial preference differences do exist, and they show strikingly consistent patterns. At the same time, blacks and whites clearly share a very high regard for their nearby natural surroundings. This is a vital aspect of the everyday environment which requires design and management solutions that are responsive to these ethnic variations in preferences.