More sunsets: the social organization of the full-time RVer subculture

Haskell, Ellen J. (2013) More sunsets: the social organization of the full-time RVer subculture. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) have enjoyed popularity since their invention in the 1920's. Sociological studies of RV users (or RVers) have demonstrated to date how RVing is associated with retirement, freedom, friendship and reciprocity. However, previous studies of RVer culture have been conducted almost entirely in Southern U.S. locations, which may lead to mislabelling all RV users as snowbirds, those who maintain a traditional home and travel a linear and seasonal North-South pathway. This study focused on identifying and describing the unique subculture of RVers who live and travel in their RVs full-time. This included an examination of the full-time RV phenomenon using several theoretical frameworks, including social organizational typologies, rituals, and rites of passage. I conducted semi-structured interviews with eleven full-time RV travelers staying at a campsite in the northern Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador during the summer. Thematic analysis of the interviews suggested the importance of new communications technologies, brand of RV, RVing as tourism, and circular, full-time travel for defining the parameters of the full-time RVer subculture.

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