Using Identity Theory to Explore Birders and Hunters Connections and Disconnections with Bird Conservation

Transcription

1 Using Identity Theory to Explore Birders and Hunters Connections and Disconnections with Bird Conservation Jody Enck Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Cornell Lab of Ornithology

2 What is Identity Theory in the context of Birders and Waterfowl Hunters?

3 Why is an Identity Framework Important? Theoretical linkages to: Enduring participation; avidity, centrality Commitment to behaviors, self-perception, and recruitment and retention More than one Birder identity or Waterfowl Hunter identity Some (but not all) identity types will have a conservation trait

4 Identity Theory Each person has a set of Individually-meaningful and socially-recognized identities Nobody is born as a birder or as a waterfowl hunter People become a birder or a waterfowl hunter through a process that has both social and Individual elements

5 What are the Social Science underpinnings? Studied from various disciplines: sociology, psychology, anthropology, education, and religious studies Sociology Stryker s work emphasis on social causes almost to exclusion of individual free will Psychology Tajfel s and Turner s work individuals seek identities consistent with personal motivations

6 Linking Both Approaches Haggard and Williams (1992), Stets and Burke (2000), Deaux and Martin (2003) these approaches not only are compatible but are quite helpful for understanding the role of other actors (i.e., individuals, groups, and organizations) in facilitating identity development various birding-related or hunting-related behaviors help to verify, maintain, and express those identities

7 What are the nuts and bolts of Identity Development? Un-Aware Potential Apprentice Recruited Diminished ID Becoming aware of the distinction between what you do and who you are Comparing ID traits and meanings with personal motivations Developing knowledge, skill, experience leading to characteristic traits Maintaining traits so ID is not diminished

8 What powers the process re Identity-defining traits? Culturally important individuals or groups act as sources of productive power: determine which characteristic attributes are associated with the identity give meaning to activities and experiences (make them transformative; social competence vs. technical competence) facilitate these experiences

9 Possible Sources of ID Power? Birding and Hunting NGOs Government Wildlife Agencies Outdoor Media Outdoor gear manufacturers/retailers Family members Birding and Hunting Companions Local Clubs Professional Guides All these sources contribute to diversity of identity types.

10 Potential source of power State agency Family Friends Local hunt club State/National Cons. Org Manufacturers and retailers of equipment Hunting media Guides Self SOCIAL INDUSTRY n in this cluster Un-hunter Potential Apprentice Recruit Dropout

11 Traits Ave. ducks shot Ave. geese shot Ave. days hunt LA Ave. days hunt other Statewide Cluste r 1 Clust er Ave. age Ave. age 1 st hunted wf Ave. yrs hunted wf % Male

12 Sources of Identity % for whom these are sources of ID Hunters Birders Conservation NGOs Government Agencies 14 6 Local Clubs 4 6 Outdoor Media Manufacturers and retailers 24 1 Family members 88 8 Hunting/Birding Friends Professional guides 7 8 Selves 96 30

13 Example Combinations % for whom these are sources of ID Hunters Birders NGOs and Government 7 5 NGOs and Media NGOs and Industry 11 0 NGOs and Local Clubs 3 4 NGOs and Individuals 21 4

14 Some Implications and More Questions NGOs and Government agencies contribute to more than one type of birder identity and waterfowl hunter identity But they contribute to identity development for relatively few birders and few waterfowl hunters Do these identity types have a bird conservation trait? Is the bird conservation trait expressed the same way for birders and for waterfowl hunters?

15 Hypothetical Collaboration Two international conservation/science NGOs Ducks Unlimited connecting waterfowl and waterfowl hunters Cornell Lab of Ornithology connecting variety of birds and birders

16 Why a Collaboration? Increase birders, waterfowl hunters, and people interested in bird conservation Dispel myths Hunters just want to kill ducks for fun Birders just want to race around to see rare birds Overcome conflicts with recognition that birders and hunters both do conservation

17 Hypothetical Collaboration Ducks Unlimited and Lab of Ornithology Both are membership organizations Both engage people well beyond members Public outreach and engagement differs somewhat although the general goal for both ultimately is bird conservation.

18 Hypothetical Collaboration How Ducks Unlimited does conservation: Restoring grasslands Replanting forests Restoring watersheds Working with landowners Working with partners Acquiring land Conservation easements Management Agreements Geographic information systems

19 Hypothetical Collaboration How Cornell Lab of O does conservation: Develop new tools and techniques to monitor species Engage citizen-science participants in tracking species numbers and movements Conduct research and mentor students in lab and field Work with international partners

20 Diversity of Conservation Activities Support Conservation Policy (fund, advocate) Assist with Conservation Science (participate) Assist with Conservation Practice passive (funding, membership) active (habitat management, harvest)

21 Take Home Messages Identity Theory shows promise re (1) what it means to be a birder or a waterfowl hunter, and (2) how to become a birder or a hunter Few empirical studies of birders or hunters have used this foundation Need to define what is desired from birders and hunters with respect to bird conservation Need to determine identity types with a conservation trait and how people want to express that trait.

22 Thank You