SRS 110 Leisure Theory Slides 6 PDF

Leisure Theory January 20th, 2025 Objectives Explain the Contemporary Themes in meanings of leisure. Describe what demographic factors can explain leisure Explain theories used to define and understand leisure Contemporary Themes in meanings of leisure Free tim...

Leisure Theory January 20th, 2025 Objectives Explain the Contemporary Themes in meanings of leisure. Describe what demographic factors can explain leisure Explain theories used to define and understand leisure Contemporary Themes in meanings of leisure Free time Recreational activity Spirit (Russell, 2017, 2022) Leisure as Free Time Leisure is a time frame where we can make choices on how to spend it Divides life into separate spheres (work, leisure, sleep, eating) Leisure is quantifiable Leisure as Activity Based on participating in nonwork activities Again can be quantified or counted by activities participated in Issue with making leisure = recreation Leisure as Special Spirit Subjective state of mind Time and activity is irrelevant Psychological condition Leisure “is a state of mind that fosters a peaceful and productive coexistence with our environment “ (Russell, 2020, p. 60)  Demographic Explanations of Leisure Behaviour Demographics Characteristics of a population Gender Age Race Sexual orientation Income Location Lifestyle “a pattern of living” (Russell, 2020, p. 63). “mix of demographic factors” (Russell, 2020, p. 63) (Russell, 2013, 2017, 2022)  Leisure Theory What is theory? “a set of interrelated, testable propositions—a system of ideas that is intended to explain something” (Russell, 2020, p. 65). Used to explain relationships between two or more things and how they are linked Leisure has always been of interest to scholars Leisure theory is useful for professionals (Hutchinson, 2013; Russell, 2020)  Why Learn Leisure Theory? Help assess/identify relevant needs To be accountable and provide a rationale for decisions To enhance outcomes for participants, agency, community Communicate effectively with others Evaluate effectiveness of programs/services (Hutchison, 2013)  Leisure Theory: Neulinger’s Continuum Model Neulinger’s Paradigm Continuum model of leisure Freedom and Intrinsic Reward (Russell, 2013, 2022) Leisure Theory: Stebbins’ Serious Leisure We have covered serious leisure in-depth  Leisure Theory: Csikszentmihalyi Flow is: “Flow is a subjective state we feel during an in-tense engagement in an activity” (Russell, 2020, p. 66) Developed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi One of the most widely used theories in leisure “Being in the Zone” (Russell, 2020) Flow Characteristics Seven conditions to achieve “flow” 1. Intense Focus 2. Sense of ecstasy 3. Sense of clarity; knowing what to do 4. Doable; knowing we have the skills to do it 5. Serenity; feel a part of something larger, beyond ego 6. Timelessness; loss of a sense of time 7. Intrinsic Motivation; worth doing for its own sake  Flow Conditions Flow – enabled by: Having a clear set of goals Autotelic Balance between perceived challenge and perceived skills Leisure Theory: Mannell’s Self-as-entertainment Psychological theory Reflects people have the capacity to fill their free time with personal satisfying and involved activities High S-A-E personality trait Satisfactorily fill free time Self directed activities Low S-A-E personality trait Nothing to do “too much free time” E.g., watching tv, calling on a friend (Russell, 2020) Self-as-Entertainment Three ways to cope with boredom: Self The perception we are in control of our free time Mind play Use our imagation and escape to fantasy Environment Going places to seek out entertainment Leisure Theory: Apter’s Reversal theory Reversal Theory Human behaviour is based on four domains: Means-ends Rules Transactions Relationships These domains contain two opposite pairs of motivation, and only one can be active at a time Reversal Theory Means-ends: Telic (serious) and Paratelic (playful) Are you motivated by goal/achievements or enjoyment? Rules Confirming or Rebellious Do you operate within the rules or challenge them Transaction Mastery and sympathy Motivated by control or by compassion Relationships Autic (self) and Alloic (other) Motivated by self-interests or by interests of others Leisure Theory: Compensation and Spillover Sociology looks at how societal structures impact leisure behaviour Leisure has often been viewed opposite of work Compensation and Spillover Leisure can compensate work Leisure can mimic our work  Leisure Theory: Mead’s Symbolic interactionism Based on the work of George Herbert Mead Focus on symbols Symbols influence our life Three basic premises: People act toward things/ experiences Meanings from interactions with others Meanings are modified through their interpretations (Russell, 2013, 2017, 2022)  Leisure Theory: Bandura’s Self-efficacy Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura Has been used a lot in risky leisure, extreme leisure, or outdoor leisure Individuals decide their leisure through personal judgement of their skills Efficacy can be altered by (1) performance, (2) accomplishment, (3) vicarious experience, (4) emotional arousal  Leisure Theory: Turner’s Anti-structure Proposed by Turner; puts forward the idea that our behaviour is governed by rituals Leisure is the ritual that takes one outside of everyday life Thus, leisure can be anti structure when we consider vacations or media entertainment (Russell, 2013, 2017, 2022) Anti-Structure Theory Leisure has its own distinct reality Liminality “the transition from the everyday to outside the everyday” (Russell, 2020, p. 72) Communitas “A temporary sense of social camarader” (Russell, 2020, p. 72) Equality within the group beliefs & behaviours Concluding Thoughts Contemporary themes of leisure: Free time, recreational activity, special spirit Demographic characteristics aid us in explaining leisure behaviours Theories help explain leisure behaviours Can you define each theory?