Background/Purpose Recreation provision frequently lacks positive and sustainable impact on quality residential life in low socio-economic communities. Approaches have been rooted in first-order (morphostasis) cybernetic change (e.g., feed the hungry or house the homeless) (Bevcar & Bevcar, 2002). Second-order (morphogenesis) cybernetics theory could present an alternative approach (Dubberley & Pangaro, 2007). A literature search yielded no references to recreation provision using a second-order approach. It was hypothesized that by adopting a second-order cybernetics approach, a sustainable positive impact could be made upon recreation provision in two selected South African low socio-economic communities.
Method This qualitative participative study utilized a convenience sample of focus groups (n=60) presented with five hypothetical vignettes supplemented by interviews and observations. Vignettes explored leisure and recreation provision in the community; community members' perception of quality of life; participation in recreation activities; social status and recreation provision; recreation provision as an agent for social change within communities; barriers to recreation participation.
Analysis/Results Residents' community priority was to maintain homeostasis and function according to the first-order cybernetics principle, resulting in morphostasis. Perpetuated feelings of helplessness, stereotyping, social exclusion, shifting of responsibility and being victims were identified. Focus group analysis indicated that providing recreation from a morphogenesis approach could create an environment beneficial to sustainable community-enhancing behavior.
Conclusions A second-order cybernetics approach to recreation participation would assist in resident autonomy, thereby moving to interdependence between community and recreation provider. A morphogenesis approach could change the relationship between recreation provider and community from one of ‘dominant-submissive' to ‘mutually beneficial'.