Advancing Ecological Systems Theory in Lifestyle, Leisure, and Travel Research

Abstract

Ecological systems theory and research focus on describingand explaining the thoughts and actions of individuals and groups within specific contexts of their lives. This article applies ecological systems theory to examine the contextual facilitating and constraining factors in the thoughts and actions of individuals regarding work, leisure, and travel alternatives. The article presents the results of a case research study of five Australian households with thought protocol data on these households’ lived experiences in work, leisure, and travel, and learning how they compare “ noncomparable” leisure expenditure options; the discussion leads to advancing macroecological and microecological systems theory in leisure travel behavior. The article includes suggestions for future research and implications for tourism marketing strategy.

Consumer behaviour in tourism: Concepts, influences and opportunities

“…Few studies attempt to move away from such an isolationist, tourist decision-centred approach. As exceptions, using ecological systems theory, Woodside et al (2006) examine the decision to travel in relation to alternative leisure activities; and Dolnicar et al (2008) focus on the allocation of expenditure to travel in the context of other household expenditures. While both studies make an important contribution, future research should focus more on the interdependencies between tourism and other consumption decisions, particularly in light of increasing economic uncertainties in the western world, which are affecting discretionary consumption patterns.…”

Gender Asymmetries in Golf Participation

“…Consequently, this plethora of factors calls for a methodological framework able to classify all these factors. The framework used in this research is grounded in the ecological systems theory (EST) by Bronfenbrenner (1979Bronfenbrenner ( , 1989, substantiated by the causal historical wave by Woodside, Caldwell, and Spurr (2006) and Woodside, Krauss, Caldwell, and Chebat (2007). The three dimensions of factors (interpersonal, intrapersonal, and structural) advanced by Crawford and Godbey (1987), and the constraints/facilitators paradigm by Jackson (1997) and , build on the adequate theoretical support for this study.…”

Untitled

“…Regrettably the discussion here focuses almost entirely on destination-choice models. It is an oversight not to include in this review the theoretical work of Jeng and Fesenmaier (2002), Woodside and Dubelaar (2002), and Woodside, Caldwell, and Spurr (2006).…”