This introductory textbook discusses the major theories and debates within the sociology of leisure. Illustrated throughout with real-world examples, the new edition has been completely re-written to take into account new developments in the area. Subjects covered include: how leisure is changing in post-modern times; how and why work-life balance has become an important issue; whether women are still the disadvantaged sex in respect of access to leisure; whether leisure has answers to the problems of ageing populations, and whether leisure-based lifestyles are becoming significant sources of social and personal identity. The book also examines whether leisure is being over-whelmed by commercialised consumer cultures.
Table of Contents
1. Leisure: Past and Present
2. The Growth of Leisure
3. Work and Leisure
4. Gender
5. The Life Course
6. Lifestyles and Identities
7. Consumption and Consumerism
8. The Transformation of Leisure?
