UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Geoffroy, Shawn
Dept./Program:
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
Year:
2008
Degree:
M.S.
Abstract:
Throughout the Northern Forest, changes in land tenure are raising concern among residents of rural communities. Some local residents fear that traditional land use patterns and the traditional social fabric of their rural communities may be deteriorating, as new landowners and seasonal landowners enter into the community. The primary goal of this research was to gain understanding about the effects of land tenure change in Northern Forest communities. This research used social identity theory to explore the process of group formation within the community. Further, this research sought to understand the implications of group formation upon landowners' perception of community change, using the community capitals fiamework.
Specific objectives of this research included: (1) understanding the relationship between landowner characteristics and landowner group affiliation; (2) understanding the relationship between landowner group affiliation and landowner land use behaviors; (3) understanding the relationship between landowner group affiliation and community involvement behaviors; (4) understanding the relationship between landowner group affiliation and landowner perception of community change; and (5) understanding the relationships between landowner group affiliation, landowner behaviors, and landowner perceptions of change occurring within the community. An initial web forum was used as exploratory tool to frame research questions. A mail survey of landowners throughout the Northern Forest was conducted to collect information on landowner behaviors, perceptions, and characteristics. Data from this survey were then analyzed and used to create a path model to predict behaviors and perceptions, using landowner characteristics as a basis for group affiliation.
Results suggested that land tenure change is having an effect on Northern Forest communities, but not necessarily the effect many landowners perceive. Specific results indicated that permanent residents of the Northern Forest were more likely than seasonal residents to generate income from their land, to restrict recreational access to their land, to speak with others about managing their land, and to be involved in community organizations and local governments. Results related to the perception of community change indicated that landowners with higher income and education levels were more likely to view community changes as positive, while those who were more involved in community organizations and local governments were more likely to view community changes as negative.
These findings suggest a need for improved relations between various groups of landowners. The use of social identity theory to explain group formation and perceptions based upon those formations may allow communities to better understand the forces that lead to negative perceptions of minority groups. These minority groups are expanding and becoming more visible as land tenure changes continue to occur in the Northern Forest. Such a process might work to mediate the polarized environment that is prevalent in many rural communities throughout the area.
Specific objectives of this research included: (1) understanding the relationship between landowner characteristics and landowner group affiliation; (2) understanding the relationship between landowner group affiliation and landowner land use behaviors; (3) understanding the relationship between landowner group affiliation and community involvement behaviors; (4) understanding the relationship between landowner group affiliation and landowner perception of community change; and (5) understanding the relationships between landowner group affiliation, landowner behaviors, and landowner perceptions of change occurring within the community. An initial web forum was used as exploratory tool to frame research questions. A mail survey of landowners throughout the Northern Forest was conducted to collect information on landowner behaviors, perceptions, and characteristics. Data from this survey were then analyzed and used to create a path model to predict behaviors and perceptions, using landowner characteristics as a basis for group affiliation.
Results suggested that land tenure change is having an effect on Northern Forest communities, but not necessarily the effect many landowners perceive. Specific results indicated that permanent residents of the Northern Forest were more likely than seasonal residents to generate income from their land, to restrict recreational access to their land, to speak with others about managing their land, and to be involved in community organizations and local governments. Results related to the perception of community change indicated that landowners with higher income and education levels were more likely to view community changes as positive, while those who were more involved in community organizations and local governments were more likely to view community changes as negative.
These findings suggest a need for improved relations between various groups of landowners. The use of social identity theory to explain group formation and perceptions based upon those formations may allow communities to better understand the forces that lead to negative perceptions of minority groups. These minority groups are expanding and becoming more visible as land tenure changes continue to occur in the Northern Forest. Such a process might work to mediate the polarized environment that is prevalent in many rural communities throughout the area.