Download (PDF 638 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/17173.pdf
Abstract
Impromptu roping, riding, and racing affairs and western pageantries whetted public appetites for a competitive cowboy sport. Despite its increasing popularity and types, American rodeo has received little attention from social scientists. This paper discusses seven different types of contemporary rodeo-professional, women's, collegiate, high school, senior, gay, and military-and their common historical origin. The popularity of rodeo in contemporary society is attributed to prevalent agrarian beliefs and the rural mystique among the public and to a long line of promoters and organizers who have increasingly commodified it.
Parent Publication
Citation
Theodori, Gene L. 1998. An overview of contemporary American rodeo. In: Vogelsong, Hans G., comp, ed. Proceedings of the 1997 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 1997 April 6 - 9; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-241. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 193-198.
