Elective 3 – Social Studies

LEISURE

In today’s class we will be learning: - What leisure isThe functions and values of leisureWhat influences leisure patternsHow leisure influences personal

development

Leisure is time spent away from work and other essential tasks.

Leisure activities are enjoyable and done willingly and freely

Examples of leisure activities: -

Reasons that leisure activities have become popular :

Decreased working hours means that people can spend more time on leisure activities.

More people are involved in part-time work.Options such as career breaks, job-sharing

or early retirement are available to many.Many jobs have a high level of stress, which

leisure activities help to relieve.

These are the functions and values of leisure

Reasons that leisure activities have become popular :

People have more disposable income to spend on leisure activities.

The media have popularised some activities, especially ones linked to health and fitness, e.g. 5k runs

It’s a means of socialising and meeting new people.

Leisure activity has become more of a part of education with PE taught in all schools and Leisure and Recreation studies being part of L.C.A.

These are the functions and values of leisure

Choosing a leisure activityCertain factors affect peoples choice of

leisure activity.

These factors can be: - social or class-based.Cultural factorsOccupationGender Age

1. SOCIAL FACTORSIn the past the type of activity

chosen had a strong association with social class.

Traditionally, sports like horseracing and hunting were associated with the upper class.

As there is less and less emphasis on class barriers, these associations are slowly fading.

1. CULTURAL FACTORSThe culture in which a person is raised

can influence their choice of activity.Certain leisure activities are associated

with a particular area e.g. oIreland – HurlingoEngland - Cricket

Music and dance can also be culturally based e.g.

oIreland – Irish dancingoAmerica – Hip-hop

2. OCCUPATIONMost people choose activities that

complement or contrast with their everyday routine.

Employees in very regimented jobs may choose something which gives a feeling of freedom, such as rock-climbing.

Workers in sedentary jobs may choose active pastimes.

Workers in active jobs may choose activities such as reading or crafts.

3. AgeDifferent groups within society may have

interests linked to their age.Many young people spend a lot of their free

time on sports, music, computers etc…Married people often spend their leisure

time on activities related to their children or the house.

Middle aged or older people may have more money and time for expensive or time-consuming leisure activities.

After retirement, money may be less plentiful and passive activities are often chosen.

4. GenderSociety has tended to associate men

and women with different hobbies e.g. football with men.

Female activities tended to include exercises, such as yoga or dance.

How leisure activities benefit the individual

Individual and family leisure activities play an important role in the physical , social and emotional development of the individual.

An activity like going to the cinema can provide relaxation and relieve stress caused by the everyday pressures of life.

Many leisure activities are fitness-based, so they may improve health e.g. aqua-aerobics.

Taking up a craft or a hobby can relieve boredom.

How leisure activities benefit the individual

May boost self-esteem.A pastime can take people from an

environment where they feel isolated and create a social interaction.

Helps to build team skills.Many activities are educational, e.g.

learning a language.Leisure activities can stimulate the

senses, e.g. listening to music.