Author Demographics of Outdoor Books: Exploring Diversity On The Shelves at Oregon Outdoor Retailers
Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of English
Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
5-17-2023
Subjects
Book Publishing, Multiculturalism in literature
Abstract
In 2023, the book publishing industry faced a documented lack of social diversity (racial, ethnic and gender expressive). The outdoor recreation industry is also predominantly White and male, and there is a rising presence of Instagram influencers working to increase diverse representation in the outdoors. This paper used a literature review, digital ethnography, and field research to examine the gaps in the hypothetical experience of a White heterosexual cisgender male vs. that of any other demographic when browsing and buying books at outdoor retailers in Oregon. Field research showed that out of 300 authors represented on the shelves of outdoor stores, only 10 were not White males. With a descriptive research approach, the author used this information to explore scenarios, possible consequences, and further research topics.
Rights
© 2023 Nell Stamper
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/40520
Recommended Citation
Stamper, Nell, "Author Demographics of Outdoor Books: Exploring Diversity On The Shelves at Oregon Outdoor Retailers" (2023). Book Publishing Final Research Paper. 71.
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/40520
Description
Paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Writing: Book Publishing.