Exploring the leisure experiences and perceptions of acculturation of newcomer Chinese youth

• Author / Creator

  Khan, Trisha M.

• This research explored the nature of the relationship between leisure experiences and perceptions of acculturation of newcomer Chinese youth. Employing interpretive description methodology, semi-structured interviews and a focus group elicited subjective description of leisure and acculturation experiences to expand leisure knowledge and develop practical applications (Berry, Poortinga, Segall & Dansen, 2002; Mannell & Kleiber, 1997; Padilla & Perez, 2003; Thorne, 2008, Thorne, Kirkhan, MacDonald-Emes, 1997). Eight newcomer Chinese youth participated who were thirteen to seventeen years old and had recently immigrated to Canada.

  A bi-directional relationship between leisure experiences and perceptions of acculturation developed around similarities and differences among leisure experiences in China and Canada, and factors that ease or hinder their leisure in Canada. Perceptions of boredom in Canada are related to how leisure was experienced. Approaches to acculturation as interpreted from leisure experiences were influenced by specific contexts. Further questions around leisure theory and applications to practice are offered which are presented as recommendations for future research. The significance of subjective investigation to complement quantitative research is also substantiated.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Acculturation
  • Chinese
  • Newcomer youth
  • Leisure

• Graduation date

  Fall 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3705X

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.