The Demand for Leisure and Recreational Facilities Over the World - Coursework Example

Lecturer: Presentation: The demand for leisure and recreational facilities continues to raise globally, a phenomenon that has resulted to rapid growth of entertainment, and tourism industries. Leisure and recreation takes different forms, however, it involves taking a break from normal day to day activities with an aim of acquiring specific objectives. Leisure, just as any other human endeavor is driven by motivations, which form the foundations of leisure activities. There are two forms of leisure which involve active or passive activities. Many sports require active participation, while other activities such as watching television are passive (Alex, and Song 2004, p 23). Researchers have identified several motivations, from which leisure is founded upon. According to Daniel (2006, p 166), motivation could be intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivation. Intrinsic motivation originates internally from an individual due to the benefits accrued from leisure, such as pleasure and enjoyment. Extrinsic factors motivate people to engage in leisure to attain other goals besides pleasure and fun. This paper is a critical analysis of findings by a number of researchers, on various factors, which motivate leisure based activities in a family. According to Alex and Song (2004, p 57), a family can either be extended or nuclear, with varying ages of parents and children. However, the basic motivation of each and every family member for leisure is driven mainly by the psychological results, which in turn determines their behavior in day to day activities (Alex, and Song 2004, p 57). In this respect, an individual decision or choice to engage in a particular leisure activity is a result of ones belief, on how well he will do the activity and what the activity means to him (Alex, and Song 2004, p 58). From this argument, people in a family set up engage in engage in leisure to reap particular psychological desires. Researchers have found out several psychological desires that motivate people in a family set up to engage in leisure. These motivations include: achievement, stimulation, independence, leadership, risk taking, mastery of equipment or machine, family togetherness and adventure (Alex, and Song 2004, p 59). According to Kivel, (2007, p 86), enhancing family unity is the main motivation for leisure in a family. Presently due to ever increasing demands at work, most parents do not have time to catch up with their children and other extended family members. In this regard, time specifically to bond with family members is increasingly being set aside in many families, with mixed success. Family harmony is a very important human need, as it gives a sense of belonging among the family member (Kivel, 2007, p 86). To enhance family togetherness, parents normally allocate their free time especially during weekends to engage in activities, which help them to establish healthy relationships with their children with no limitations. This may involve passive activities such as watching television together, or it might involve visiting amusement parks, animal orphanages or just involving themselves in the children plays and sports. According to Kivel (2007, p 87), achievement is a desire, which is mainly driven by psychological need of recognition and getting status in a particular society. People who engage in leisure to seek this sort of psychological satisfaction are characterized by a resolute will to face extreme challenges. Normally the person is not afraid of taking risks, particularly personal injury or even loss of life. In order for a person to achieve and gain recognition, the leisure activities to choose from are usually competitive and physical (Kivel, 2007, p 87). Moreover, they involve attainment of a measurable and specific parameter. In this respect, people engage in leisure activities such as mountain climbing to reach the highest peak, athletics to break a world record, or even studying to achieve particular academic level qualifications (Kivel, 2007, p 87). Asserting one’s independence is a key motivation behind leisure (Jekubovich 2007, p 66). In this regard, people engage in activities that affirms ones ability to work or perform a given duty single handedly, without external assistance or interference. The motive behind this form of leisure activity is mainly to assert one’s maturity, courage, and decisiveness. People who are driven by the psychological desire for independence are usually characterized by introvert behavior, but a strong belief in ones abilities, apparent risks not withstanding (Jekubovich 2007, p 68). Some of the leisure activities that inculcates independence include involves high risks, for example taking solo flights in balloons or sailing alone in dangerous and turbulent waters. Propensity to take risks according to Scott (2006, p 72) is also a motivation in leisure. Risk taking involves embarking in an activity that exposes somebody to an apparent bodily harm, or high economic loss. People who engage in high risk leisure activities gain satisfaction and pleasure by surviving unscathed or by winning huge amounts of money for example in gambling (Scott, 2006, p 72). Engaging in high risk activities increases self confidence, and people who love this sort of leisure are usually motivated by the urge to cultivate self belief in doubtful or dangerous circumstances (Scott, 2006 p 70). By engaging in high risk activities, Scott (2006) argues that people derive additional psychological desires such as achievement, and enhanced self esteem. Presently, there are very many risk taking activities which are offered by the entertainment and tourism industries Desire to master an equipment, machine or an instrument is also an important motivator in pursuit of leisure (Kivel, 2007, p 85). Mastery of a musical instrument such as piano or a guitar gives a person who is aspiring to be a musician a sense of accomplishment towards becoming a professional musician (Kivel, 2007, p 85). Depending on a person’s objective, pursuit to master particular art or skill is one of the most common leisure activities which people from diverse backgrounds engage in. Mastery of a skill such as driving car for instance is an important ability in the present world; however, it is learning and mastering how to drive different types of automobiles under different traffic conditions that makes driving to be a popular leisure activity to many people. Mastery of equipment or an instrument enhances ones confidence, and more importantly it gives some one a sense of being in control under any given situation (Kivel, 2007, p 79). Desire for adventure and exploration are important motivations for leisure (Jekubovich 2007, p 58). Since time in memorial traders and missionaries made long sea voyages to explore and discover new frontiers. The desire to discover and explore new experiences remains a very strong driving force among the human beings for leisure (Jekubovich 2007, p 58). Improved transportation system, coupled with excellent communication network has increased mobility of people and as a result, traveling from one place to another is very popular component of exploring and engaging in adventure. Adventure and exploration in people usually provides clues or answers to their curiosity in discovering more about other people, nature, and other exciting but unexplored realms of society (Jekubovich 2007, p 59). In the course of human development, many remarkable and life changing inventions have been discovered through mere chance and curiosity. Jekubovich (2007, p 64) notes that during eighteenth century, many European explorers embarked on voyages in Africa, which was then referred to as the Dark Continent. It is through these explorations that a remarkable discovery such as the great Nile was uncovered and the world came to know about its source, a mystery that had eluded many explorers for a long time (Jekubovich 2007, p 66). The discoveries have transformed the way of life in ways that were initially beyond wildest imaginations. Many discoveries have been made by people during their leisure time. In this regard, many tourism entrepreneurs have invested a lot of money to exploit this human character and as a result, space exploration has even become a reality (Daniel, 2006, p 166). In addition, the quest to understand past events, such human evolution and civilization have aroused the curiosity of people further, especially after discovery of convincing historical evidence, such as fossils of the early man, and ruins of the early civilization. Presently, archeologists are exploring every corner on the earth’s surface in order to find out the secrets of the past animal and plant habitation (Daniel, 2006, p 169). Currently, people are exceedingly traveling to explore these discoveries as well as investing a lot of their time and resources to unravel more about human development and civilization (Daniel, 2006, p 170). Due to the unique challenges currently being faced globally such as incurable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, global warming, insecurity, insufficient raw materials for industries and increasing levels of poverty especially in developing countries, Cole and Leyser (2004, p 107) argues that the need to explore and provide solutions for these challenges have been driven a notch higher. However, the increasing number of research institutions as well as individuals interested in research has heightened people’s interest to utilize their leisure time towards adventure and exploration. The need to interact with people from diverse backgrounds is a key driving force for leisure. According to Barber, and Eccles (2006, p 50), human interactions promote meaningful relationships. In addition, interacting with different people enhances interpersonal skills, which are crucial for developing leadership qualities. Essential human needs, such as companionship from friends, and romantic relationships are established by devoting leisure time for social interaction. To give and to receive love is a normal human craving, and a crucial motivation for devoting leisure time to building relationships (Barber, & Eccles 2006, p 51). In addition, desire to exercise power and influence people is normally realized and exercised through establishment of meaningful social interactions with people. Besides building relationships, social interactions promote mutual understanding of people especially from diverse cultures. Enjoying marvels of nature such as diverse wildlife and exciting geographical features in the planet is also a key motivating factor for leisure (Backman, & Bixler 2005, p 59). To some people, being in nature provides a serene environment for reflection, meditation, and a sense of inner peace of mind. Moreover, there are a lot of exciting physical activities that are normally undertaken in nature such as swimming, skating, fishing, game hunting and mountain climbing, among many others. Currently tourism industry has diversified immensely in order to accommodate various tastes of increasingly changing clientele, depending on the specific natural attraction (Backman, & Bixler 2005, p 59). Bourque, and Vallerand (2005, p 56) note that in Africa, ecotourism mainly involves visiting game parks, national reserves natural beaches in addition to the favorable climatic conditions that are not prone to extreme changes. In addition, game hunting offers exciting experiences especially if it involves killing large cats like lions and big animals such as elephants and rhinos. Due to extreme decline in numbers of wildlife, Bourque, and Vallerand (2005, p 59), note that drastic measures have been undertaken to prevent needless killing of wild animals. In this respect, poaching in addition to game hunting has been restricted in many countries across the globe in order to prevent animals from being killed to extinction. Other motivations for leisure include escape from personal pressures such as job related stress. In this regard, Arvill, & More (2004, p 304) argue that leisure provides a person with ample time to reenergize and relax from daily hustles and demands in workplaces. In addition, people are motivated for leisure by the desire to develop leadership skills such engaging in tasks such as teaching during their leisure time. However, these motivations vary from person to person, in provision for psychological needs and satisfactions. Moreover, they differ from one another in respect to culture, customs, and socio- economic status among other factors (Arvill, & More 2004, p 304). However there are a number of impediments that prevent people from engaging in leisure. These leisure limitations depend on the society and the individual person (Alex and Song 2004). Leisure constraints according to Alex and Song (2004, p 65), are factors that are encountered by individuals to limit the formation of leisure preferences thereby prohibiting participation and enjoyment in leisure. According to Alex and Song (2004, pp 32-34), the factors include intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural barriers. Intrapersonal barriers are personal character traits and beliefs which limit an individual from enjoying and participating in leisure. On the other hand, interpersonal constraints are due to social interactions and relationships. Finally structural barriers involve constraints which are caused by social and physical organizations or society belief systems resulting to interference between leisure choices and participation (Alex, and Song 2004, p 35). The degree of how these constraints influence people from participating in leisure varies, however, intrapersonal constraints are more influential than interpersonal and structural barriers (Alex, and Song 2004, p 36). In conclusion, motivation to enjoy and participate in leisure in a family is influenced by both internal and external factors at individual level. These factors vary from one person to another, depending with their age, and the level of exposure. However, it is apparent that leisure is a beneficial component both to an individual and to the society. Leisure has become an indispensable and necessary demand from people of varying backgrounds globally. It is therefore important for all stakeholders to promote leisure at personal and international levels, by removing barriers that limit people from participating and enjoying recreational activities (Scott, 2006, p 69). References Alex, D. and Song R 2004, Leisure and Family: Perspectives of Male Adolescents, Macmillan Education Australia, South Melbourne. Arvill, R.J. & More D 2004, ‘The Structure of Recreation Behavior,’ Journal of Leisure Research, vol. 35, no 21, pp.300-327 Backman, J & Bixler R 2005, ‘Analysis of Golfer Motivations and Constraints by Experience use of history’, Journal of Leisure Research, vol. 33, no 56, pp.56-70 Barber, B & Eccles J 2006, ‘Leisure Behavior Pattern Stability during the Transition from Adolescence to Young Adulthood,’ Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 28, no79, pp. 45-78 Bourque, P and Vallerand R 2005, ‘A Motivational Model of Leisure Participation in the Elderly’, Journal of Psychology, vol. 127, no.36, pp. 54-60 Cole,B and Leyser Y 2004, ‘Leisure Preferences and Leisure Communication with Peers of Elementary Students with and without Disabilities’, Journal on Educational Implications, vol.124,no.45, pp.103-114. Daniel, B 2006, ‘Measuring Leisure Motivation: A Meta-Analysis of the Recreation Experience Preference Scales,’ Journal of Leisure Research, vol. 28, no.188, pp. 164-170. Jekubovich, J 2007, ‘A Critique of Leisure Constraints: Comparative Analyses and Understandings,’ Journal of Leisure Research, vol. 29, no.16, pp.54-67. Kivel, D 2007, ‘Adolescent Identity Formation and Leisure Contexts: A Selective Review of Literature,’ Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, vol.69, no.36, pp.76-98. Scott, D 2006, ‘Adolescent and Adult Leisure Patterns: A Reassessment of Leisure patterns,’ Journal of Leisure Research, vol.30, no.319, pp.65-77. Read More