This article examines how conflict and change manifest themselves in leisureoriented retirement communities. An analytical framework for studying conflict in the communities is applied to case examples to illustrate the nature and variety of conflict in retirement communities. These case examples are drawn from observations conducted by the authors as well as from previously published reports in related literature. These examples indicate that for some residents, participation in community conflict is viewed as a kind of “recreation.” Most of the residents, however, tend to stay out of community conflicts. Unless their economic interests or style of life are severely threatened or a major change is involved, the residents will generally attempt to avoid situations resulting in conflict.
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