Leisure is also known as residual time. It has become ever increasingly valued at a time when our lives are dominated by work. The reduction of hours spent at work, and the increase of the minimum wage have also contributed to people's perception of leisure.
The activities people undertake during this residual time are characterised as playful and enjoyable and could also be classed as being recreational. They are suitable to each person who undertakes them; it's all about choice. Leisure is described as a means to achieving socially desired and approved ends, and is consequently frequently described in such positive terms as 'therapeutic', 'remedial' or 'training', or more negatively, as 'compensatory', 'sublimatory', or 'social control'. This definition fails to mention that it is the free time in which an individual has total control of his/her actions and the activities they undertake. Historically leisure has been perceived as being elitist, only accepting those with time, money and independence. Times are changing.
People entertain themselves through leisure activities; they choose what they do in this free time. Without this concept of choice then the idea of leisure would have no meaning. Individuals dictate what they do and when they are away from the constraints of everyday life. The choice they have is varied however. Factors such as facilities available, disposable income and time will effect how people choose to spend their leisure time.
Other issues that must be taken into consideration when choosing a leisure activity must be the physical capabilities of the individual. Some people, for example, do not have the skills or abilities that some sports and arts demand.
Constraints such as time, money and space are external factors, these are hindrances that are out of the individual's hands, and often come hand-in-hand. Some people (such as top businessmen) have plenty of disposable income, but lack of time to spend it. Others (such as the unemployed) have plenty of time but not enough disposable income, whilst those with enough time and money (those in rural areas) may not have the adequate facilities.
Society plays a vital role in the way people pursue leisure. The way others see ourselves is becoming increasingly more important in today's society. People's leisure activities are structured by social class, background, age, gender and race. Often unknowingly people are discriminated and their opportunities reduced by prejudice and unequal treatment. Football has always been a male dominated sport, but recently we have seen the introduction of professional women's teams and even the Women's World Cup. This is an event of major significance. International footballers come from all backgrounds, expelling the suggestion that it is exclusive and elitist. It is probably one of the only sport and leisure activities available in society for all who wish to participate.
There are three key reasons why people participate in sports games, outdoor pursuits, and other non-game sports such as boxing, gym, swimming and martial arts and other activities. They are: what is the nature of the challenge, what conditions are imposed upon the challenge, and what type of response is made to this conditioned challenge. The challenge is either environmental (e.g. gravity or friction) and is presented by natural conditions (e.g. weather or playing surface), or it is inter-personal. 'Conditions imposed' refers to the equipment and the rules. And finally the response to the conditioned challenge is how the team or individual uses skill, tactics and strategy to overcome it.
Leisure is becoming increasingly more valued. It contributes towards self-identity and offers social contacts and the chance to meet new people. The amount of people who participate in leisure activities has reached new heights recently. The perception of leisure has changed dramatically too. No longer is it seen as being elitist and exclusive to those who could afford it, it is now seen as being a serious, obligated activity to be enjoyed by all.
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