The Concept of Leisure - Assignment Example

Leisure Concept Name A Report Submitted Institution Course Date Leisure concept Journal Week 1- what is leisure? This week’s lecture focused on defining the term leisure. It introduces one to the topic of leisure by asking certain questions like what is leisure, why study it, its relation to sports, its importance and exactly what it entails. From the definition, leisure concept is only considered if its meets three requirements. They include: 1. Freedom of choice- this requisite entails that the activity or non activity to be undertaken should be freely chosen 2. It must be enjoyable through participation, anticipation and 3. Intrinsically motivated- this entails that the stimulation for undertaking the activity should come from within an individual through factors like determination and not from external motivational factors like money or praises After carefully going through lecture and attempting to understand the concept of leisure, I was particularly amazed with the fact that leisure must be intrinsically motivated. Before undertaking this course, I had never critically analyzed the term leisure although I had an idea of what it entailed. From what I had previously believed leisure to be, the concept of freedom of choice and it being enjoyable were no news to me. This was however, not the case with the intrinsic motivation factor. To me, leisure was an enjoyable activity that individuals took when they are free from work. For example, I considered playing a poker game as a leisure activity since it was not categorized as a work, and it was enjoyable as in the end someone would win some money. Looking back at the activity now, it is not leisure as the motivation of engaging in the activity is extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is a very important factor when it comes to leisure. Cushman and Laidler (1990) in their work, Recreation, Leisure and Social Policy, defines leisure as a condition or a state of being, quality of experience or attitude of mind that is distinguished, by an individual’s perceived freedom, to act together with the conditions imposed by necessity. It is also assumed to be pleasurable, appealing due to the anticipated benefits and is intrinsically motivated. The two authors believe that leisure is precious for its own sake and is an end in itself. It is clear that leisure is distinguished from conditions that are imposed by necessity such as survival and the need to make money for the survival. Asides from the benefits anticipated from leisure, motivation for undertaking the activity should come from within a person. One should have an attitude of mind that primarily focuses on activities that are different from obligations of work, school, family and society. Therefore, when it comes to leisure, one must find an activity that is enjoyable; it is valuable for its sake and not because it has rewards and the stimulation of doing it should come from within a person. Week 2- The History of Leisure The lecture for this week focuses on the history of leisure and discusses its development in contemporary society over time. The lecture identifies and discusses six main periods through the progression of leisure was evident. They include: 1. Hunter gathers societies – during this period there was no difference in work and leisure. In addition, there was no definition of time when work was to be done. 2. Greek origins of leisure- period where there was a distinction of class in the society. Leisure would only be allowed to the elite individuals in the society and excluded for slaves, women and the working class individuals. 3. The Roman leisure- it was a pragmatic society that established the need for balance between work and leisure. Leisure was seen as an activity that enabled one to recuperate after work so as to be productive for the next work session. It was not limited to certain individuals and was also used, by emperors, to keep people happy. 4. Middle ages- period where there was a lack of law and urban life disappearance. Leisure reflected class structure due to the definite established hierarchical system. Those lower in the society could not practice leisure. 5. Industrial revolution leisure- a period that brought a defined distinction of work time and allowed free time for leisure as a right for the working individuals. 6. The leisure society- a period where new styles and sites of leisure changed. With the introduction of such things as cars, washing machines, and other technologies, there was an increased standard of living, decreased working hours and more time for leisure. Leisure became professionalized and commodified with no limits. Reading about the history of leisure was very captivating. The concept of leisure seems to change with time and society as one progress to the future. Although trends and studies try to predict the future of leisure, I believe that saying of no one knows what the future holds. In this 21st century, leisure is based on consumerism where people have to buy leisure products so as to enjoy themselves. For example, one has to purchase the latest version of a mobile phone so as to enjoy the features that come along with it. Possessing such an item is considered as leisure and maintaining this lifestyle entails working for longer hours. This means that the time spent in leisure activities decreases as the modern times increases. Modern times bring with it increased technology that is useful and reduces work but also makes one to work harder so as to afford and enjoy leisure. In today’s society, leisure is attributed as a luxury which many people cannot afford. It is no longer about setting time for leisure but also setting money to use. As consumerism increases, more money would be required for leisure, and it will no longer be a want for an individual but a need that must be satisfied (Roberts 1999). Week 3- The Benefits of Leisure This week’s lecture looks at the benefits that come along with leisure. The benefits obtained from leisure are categorized into five main categories. 1. Physical benefits, which include physical fitness from engaging in active physical activities like riding a bicycle or jogging. 2. Economic benefits such as the revenue generated from payment of leisure services 3. Physiological benefits, such as reduced tension and anxiety, positive changes in moods, sense of freedom, relaxed and focused mind states. 4. Social benefits from interactions and socialization include making new friends, improved relationships between people among others. 5. Spiritual benefits such as self actualization, enlightenment and appreciating what nature has to offer. From the lecture, I was particularly interested in the psychological benefits from the identified categories. Compared to the other categories, these benefits tend to be more important than the rest as it enhances an individual’s ability to function in the society and contribute to it. As such, it is important for every human being to involve themselves in leisure activities, which psychologically benefits them more. Leisure should be every person’s right and not limited to the status of an individual. Kaplan (1975, pg.26) states that leisure is psychologically pleasant in recollection and anticipation; it covers a whole range of intensity and commitment, that contains characteristic constraints and norms, and provides opportunities for personal growth and service to others. Week 4- Leisure, Self-Esteem and Stress The lecture this week focused on the role of leisure in reducing stress and enhancing the self esteem of an individual. Self-esteem, which is viewed as one of the benefits of leisure contains two aspects that are identified as ‘I’ and ‘me’. ‘I’ involves how one internalizes the image of themselves whereas ‘me’ involves how externalizes the image of themselves. One may view him or herself through four main ways. The first way is the attainable self, which includes realistic perception, the Ideal self that involves the idealized vision of oneself, ought self which is how one thinks others want them to be, and the fourth being the undesired self, which is what one, does not want to be. From the lecture, I was particularly interested with the three cognitive models of self esteem. 1. ‘Add em up model’- it totals the specific qualities so as to come to an overall perception of self esteem 2. ‘Weight them by importance’- it totals all the qualities but puts more weight on the areas considered to be important 3. Self-ideal model-evaluates self esteem based on how closely ones attributes match up with ones perception of the ideal of oneself. From the three areas, one can evaluate their self esteem as long as they have an ideal of being witty, athletic and intelligent. Leisure enables individuals to work on their self esteem especially after knowing their esteem level. For example, being great in sports, one obtains a high physical self esteem. Therefore, physical leisure activities promote high self esteem as one gain a feeling of accomplishment. Stress is a result of feeling out of control. Leisure reduces stress as it is an activity that one freely chooses and makes one feel in control. There are two methods of reducing stress discussed as palliative methods, which divert stress, and direct action strategies, which eliminate stress. Many individuals use the palliative methods when dealing with stress as it is easy and temporarily effective (Gurung & Prieto 2009, p.305). For example, when one is exhausted, depressed or stressed by something, they usually engage in activities that will make them forget about their issues such as alcoholism, going to the gym, going to social events and other leisure activities. Week 5- Leisure in Contemporary Society This week briefly discusses the Australian history of leisure for the past 200 years and how it has evolved. It mainly talks about how leisure in the 21st century has changed from organized team sports to unorganized sports. The leisure pattern has been categorized into various categories. 1. 1788-1851-it was an era defined by hard labour, hard leisure. Male domination existed through masculinity of colonial leisure and leisure was characterized by alcohol consumption and relaxation of sexual behaviors 2. 1851-1901- this era constituted of formalization of leisure, rational recreation movements and the creation of more time for leisure. 3. 1902-1945- an era where technology was advancing. Technology made life easier as it created more time for leisure and less time for work 4. 1945 to present- the development of new leisure options from the growth of suburbia. What caught my eye in this lecture is the discussion on why there is a growth on the non organized leisure activities. The increased participation of these activities such as instant sports is attributed to the modern complex lifestyle, which entails increased work commitment, desire for individualism and the change in generational attitudes. Many Australians have more than one job or work overtime thus do not engage in sports activities, and all they do is go to the gym. These activities result into reduced participation in organized sports especially at the junior level. References List Cushman, G. and Laidler, A., 1990. Recreation, leisure and social policy. Canterbury [etc.: Lincoln University [etc.] Gurung, R.A. and Prieto, L.R., 2009. Getting culture: incorporating diversity across the curriculum. Sterling, Va.: Stylus. Max, K., 1975. Leisure: Theory and Practice. New York, John Wiley, p. 26. Murphy, J.F., 1974. Concepts of leisure: philosophical implications. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall. Roberts, K., 1999. Leisure in contemporary society. Wallingford, Oxon, UK: CABI Pub. Read More