Attitudes and Experiences of Women and Minorities in the Urban Forestry/Arboriculture Profession    (View PDF)

Michael R. Kuhns, Hope A. Bragg, and Dale J. Blahna

Abstract: In a study of urban forestry/arboriculture professionals in the United States, we found that love of trees and plants was most often listed as the reason for women and minorities entering the profession, followed closely by love of the outdoors. This order was reversed for white males. After enjoyment-related reasons, income/employment potential was the most common reason for entering the profession for white males and minorities, but it was much less of a motivating factor for women. Satisfaction with the urban forestry profession was high and differed little among white males, females, and minorities. Satisfaction was higher for those in upper management, those with higher income, and those who entered the profession for enjoyment rather than income potential. Professional motivating factors that could be considered "selfless" ranked highest in importance, and "selfish" factors ranked lowest. Respondents generally disagreed that discrimination exists in the profession, with the level of disagreement varying depending on the type of discrimination and the respondents' gender/minority status.

Keywords: Urban forestry; arboriculture; ISA; SAF; minorities; women; gender; careers; diversity; discrimination.

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2004.002