Evolution of the Relationship between Work and Leisure - Essay Example

Evolution of the Relationship between Work and Leisure in Western Societies from the Medieval Times until the Present Introduction Leisure and work are two important aspects of human life. Leisure can be defined as the free time at ones disposal, which a person is free to use as she or he sees fit mainly for purses such as self-rejuvenation. Leisure is often associated with recreation, which is partaking in an activity that one enjoys with the aim of improving themselves or for restoration. Work on the other hand is any activity that a person engages in to earn a living or for other gains. The distinction between work and leisure has been changing with time. Additionally the amount of time that is spent doing work or engaging in leisure activities has changes largely with time. The main reason that has led to these changes is change in economy and technology with time. During times of excellent economic growth, people had more cash to spend in leisure while hard economic times are characterized by increased working time and reduced leisure time. Additionally, the working environment has changed enabling people to participate in work and leisure activities in the same context. This is common particularly for businesspersons who can be in a business trip and mange to create some time in between for recreation purposes. This paper is a description of how the changing socio-economic conditions and major cultural developments, has affected the relationship between work and leisure. The paper will focus on how work and leisure have been evolving in Western societies from the medieval times until the present. Our oldest ancestors, the hunter and gathers, had no clear distinction between work and leisure. The two activities accompanied each other with no specific time set for work or leisure. The two activities we blended irrespective of the fact that there was some minimal understanding of what work or leisure was. However, the terms work and leisure were non-existent and even though people engaged in activities we now consider as leisure, the early people did not have specified activities to engage in for relaxation purposes. The distinction between the two has evolved greatly over time such that work and leisure are completely distinguishable in the contemporary western society. Amongst the Greeks, activities such as farming that we now consider as work was considered as some sort of religious activities that was a sacred undertaking1. Medieval period In the medieval period, there was great separation in the roles played by men from those played by females. However, there was no clear distinction between work and leisure. Activities such as dancing, storytelling, singing that were taught to the girls were not defined as leisure but were a way of life. During this period, the boys engaged in hunting activities. They were also taught other aspects such as war2. Activities such as herbal treatment carried out by Native Americans were done by specific persons but were viewed more as religious roles. However, the romans engaged in some sort of leisure since they built recreation facilities such as stadiums and amphitheater. Though most activities done in this period can be categorized as recreational ones in the contemporary society, they were more of gender roles to the people in the medieval period. The late mediaeval period, which is also referred to as Middle Ages involved overemphasis on work. The recreation facilities that had been constructed by the Romans were destroyed in the late middle ages. This was due to increased spread of Christianity that opposed activities such as attending theatres. Additionally, the distinction between work and leisure was still lacking in some societies. The church was against some forms of entertainment and the religious leaders argued that leisure, which was equated to idleness, was evil and exposed people to sins. However, people engaged in pastimes such as storytelling, which can be considered to have been their form of leisure3. In the renaissance period (1350-1600), the amount of time set for recreation purposes or for leisure differed considerably from today understanding of leisure. The time spent for leisure purposes was also minimal. Additionally, the recreation activities were different. In this period, recreation activities differed across different social class with the upper class being able to enjoy considerable amount of time engaging in leisure activities while those in the lower classes had minimal or no time for recreation. Some leisure activities that characterized the renaissance period include literature, painting, music, dancing, and participation in artistic events4. Additionally, education was considered some sort of recreation activity that was exclusively for the rich or the upper class. Generally, there was minimal distinction between work and leisure. During the Reformations period (1500s-1600s), the time set aside for leisure purposes increased considerably. However, those particularly in lower social classes had to work hard to earn themselves some leisure time5. The Industrial Revolution The next period, which was referred to as the industrial revolution (1700-1900), was characterized by variance in the nature and amount of time that people spent in leisure activities. The religious influence had decreased which altered perceptions about leisure. Leisure activities differed from those in earlier periods. Additionally, the different classes engaged in different leisure activities. The working class had minimal or no time for leisure, which resulted in minimal leisure opportunities. Most of the time was spent working for their families and they had little time to spare for leisure purposes. The little time they managed to get was spent visiting taverns or pubs, which they considered their leisure activities. Those in the middle class had considerable time for leisure, which they spent doing activities such as playing piano, participating in drama as well as singing. The upper class had excess time at their disposal in addition to being able to access numerous recreation activities. Some of the activities they engaged in included bird watching, hunting, playing cricket, polo a in addition to fishing. In the twentieth century, people across different social classes started realizing and appreciating the need to spare some time for leisure. Although there were economic hardships, people recognized that there was need to rejuvenate their energy. They could thus spend considerable time working harder to enable them spare time for leisure. Additionally, the infrastructure had developed and invention of automobiles enabled leisure activities such as touring6. Other activities that characterized this period included gabling, jazz music in addition to clubbing. It was in the twentieth century (1929-1945), when the great economic depression occurred. The western economies were doing gravely and most people were facing economic hardships, which required them to work more. Time left for leisure declined considerably. Additionally, people had lesser cash to spend on leisure activities. However, the little time that people managed to spare was spent in recreation activities such as playing musical instruments, swimming, and square dancing. In addition, people would still engage in picnicking though at the local beaches. Other activities that characterized leisure included swing music and attending sound movie theaters7. However, most time was spent working. Modern Era In modern era, which runs from the 1950 up to present, fundamental changes have occurred in the time spent doing recreation activities or working. Most of the changes occurred in the 1950’s after the end of the great depression. This period was characterized by improved economies hence increased wages. Those in the middle class had considerable amount of money to spend for fun as well as leisure. This resulted in modification of leisure activities and people could now include some leisure activities in their daily activities particularly in the evening after work. Additionally, the improving western economy led to improvement in the transport system and people could travel easily to different destinations in search of leisure8. As opposed to the previous periods where people spent most of their lifetime working, people started considering option such as early retirement, which created more time for leisure. Additionally, authorities such as the municipals started participating in creating recreation facilities. Creation of recreation facilities such as gym in working places enabled people to engage in leisure even during short breaks taken in between the work9. Technological advances over the last two decades have altered the relationship between work and leisure completely. Although technology has made work easier and faster, the leisure activities that people are engaging in are unhealthy. This is because most entail immobile activities, which promote unhealthy lifestyles. Activities such social networking is considered leisure activities as opposed to previous activities that were more engaging. In the recent times, the time spent working is considerably less while longer hours are spent in leisure activities. Additionally, family recreation activities have become a common phenomenon due to increased family time. Parents work for lesser time and spend considerable amount of time having fun or engaging in leisure activities with their children. A wide range of leisure activities has evolved. These include sport leagues, golf, skiing, swimming just to mention but a few. The recreation facilities have increased resulting in declined charges for activities such as fitness memberships. Additionally, recreation facilities have become a significant source of revenue for many governments. A good example is the numerous clubs and leagues in most western countries. The governments support construction of facilities such as stadiums by setting aside large quantities of public funds. Additionally, academic fields to train profession in coordinating leisure activities have evolved10. Recreation activities are not just for leisure but a source of income to several people. Thousands of people participate in activities such as soccer and other sports not just for fun but as a source of income. These are just few examples to demonstrate how leisure has become significant in the contemporary world. Additionally, the examples indicate that some people can now consider leisure as some sort of work since it acts as their source of income. Today’s leisure activities include but not limited to shopping in malls, visiting amusement parks, gardens and museums, travelling or tourism, racing, social networking, gambling, swimming clubbing just to mention but a few11. Conclusion The understanding and distinction between work and leisure has changed greatly from the medieval period up to today. The time set aside for leisure as well as the nature of leisure activities has changed. In the earlier medieval periods, there was minimal distinction between work and leisure. The two were done simultaneously without distinguishing leisure and work. In the Middle Ages Christianity was growing rapidly and discouraged the few leisure activities that existed by emphasizing on the disadvantages of idleness. Leisure became distinct mainly in the industrial evolution though it was restricted to the rich. The working class spent most of their times fending for their families. In the recent times, leisure has become crucial aspect with more time being set aside for family leisure. Additionally, technology has made work easier and enabled people to dedicate more time for leisure. Additionally, improved economies in the western world have made life easier and people have more money to spend on leisure activities. Bibliography Haworth, John. Work and Leisure. New York: Routledge, 2005. Human Kinetics. Dimensions of Leisure for Life: Individuals and Society. New York: Human Kinetics, 2010. Stebbins , Robert. Between Work & Leisure: The Common Ground of Two Separate Worlds. New Jersey: Transaction Publishers, 2004. Stefan, Poser. Leisure Time and Technology, in: European History Online (EGO). Sep 26, 2011. http://www.ieg-ego.eu/en/threads/crossroads/technified-environments/stefan-poser-leisure-time-and-technology (accessed Sep 29, 2012). Read More