You are here

Leisure Studies
Share

Leisure Studies
Themes and Perspectives



November 2009 | 336 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
'Drawing upon the best traditions of British and North American Leisure Studies, Shaun Best provides a synthesis of relevant social theory, presents thought provoking inquiry-driven examples and invites students to acquire a better understanding of leisure in today's world' - Professor David Botterill, University of Wales

What is the place of leisure in societies where people complain of 'over-work'? How do personal freedom and choice relate to the inequalities of class, gender, disability, and ethnicity?

This critical introduction to the field offers a systematic account of the meaning and structure of leisure today.

The book:

  • Situates the student in the field
  • Provides a comprehensive account of the leading approaches to leisure
  • Explores the influence of class, race, gender, ethnicity, disability, and age
  • Discusses to role of the state
  • Examines leisure in the context of changing work relationships
  • Locates leisure in the debate around globalization

In short, this is an indispensable, one-stop guide to understanding leisure. The book will be required reading for courses in Leisure and Recreation Studies, Tourism Studies and Special Event Management.


 
What is the Leisure Experience?
 
Socio-Economic and Cultural Approaches to Leisure
 
Participation and Constraint - Class and Gender
 
Participation and Constraint - Ethnicity, Disability and Age
 
The Emergence of an Institutional Framework for Leisure
 
The UK's Contemporary Institutional Framework for Leisure
 
The Local State and Leisure Provision in the United Kingdom
 
Work and Leisure - Post Fordism and the Changing Nature of Work
 
Work and Leisure: the Leisure Society, Unemployment and Post-Work
 
Globalisation and Leisure: the Consumer Society
 
Globalisation and Leisure: McDisneyization and Post-Tourism

'Drawing upon the best traditions of British and North American Leisure Studies, Shaun Best provides a synthesis of relevant social theory, presents thought provoking inquiry-driven examples and invites students to acquire a better understanding of leisure in today's world' - Professor David Botterill, University of Wales


I am using this very informative book in a couple of subjects at undergraduate and graduate levels. This book is particularly useful for introductory courses in tourism/leisure. Each chapter includes activities for students to do in seminar settings or as home assignments. I like the fact that each chapter is followed by its list of references.

Dr xavier matteucci
Tourism and Hospitality Management, MODUL University Vienna
December 21, 2015

used for level 6 project module and bvery useful to students, will recommend.

Mr Gerard Ryan
Business School, Staffordshire University
May 7, 2012

A good base for first year students in Leisure and useful for all years of undergraduate study.

Recommended Library to order for this year.

Mrs Anita Beresford webb
Arts, Business and Social Science, University Campus Suffolk
October 19, 2011

The book deals with a range of crucial themes with respect to leisure and leisure experience, which is undoubtedly helpful to students in leisure studies. It helps students familiarised with key issues and concerns pertaining to studying leisure.

Dr Miyoung Oh
Department of Sport, Sheffield Hallam University
July 7, 2011

Leisure studies are a very contentious area, with many academics arguing that it should not be legitimately included in the fundamental curriculum of sociology. This textbook explodes that myth by weaving leisure into sociological & social theory foundations, particularly in relation to excluded individuals & communities.

Dr John Stitt
Youth & Community Dev., University of Cumbria
July 23, 2010

Bought by the library. On the reading list for the module.

Dr Veronique Altglas
School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast
December 30, 2009

A useful adjunct for students who are interested in exploring spacial/temporal/demographic dimensions in the sphere of leisure and crime.

Dr Carol Borland Jones
Natural and Social Sciences, Gloucestershire University
December 9, 2009

Very good book which fills a gap in the market.
We will certainly recommend for purchase for level 3 module in Leisure Studies and order multiple copies so students from a level 2 module in youth, Leisure and Lifestyle can access.

Dr Rosie Connell
SHLN, Leeds Trinity and All Saints
November 24, 2009

A great text. Will be used at both first and second year undergraduate studies in Leisure. A wide range of topics and great case studies.

Dr Anya Chapman
Dept of Tourism & Leisure, Liverpool Hope University
November 13, 2009

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two


For instructors

Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781446243800

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412903851
$213.00

Paperback
ISBN: 9781412903868
$81.00

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge, the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.