Leisure plays a significant role in shaping everyday lives and in defining the quality of life. This paper examines the nature and meaning of leisure, outlines recent trends and present patterns of leisure behaviour, and discusses the part played by leisure in shaping present and future lifestyles.

Definitions

Leisure and lifestyle are neither easy to define nor straightforward to measure. Definitions alone have generated a substantial literature (for example de Grazia, 1962; Brightbill, 1963; Dumazedier, 1967; Countryside Recreation Research Advisory Group, 1970; Neulinger, 1974; Kelvin, 1979; Kelly, 1982; Tokarski Filipcova & Glyptis, 1990). Leisure has been defined in three broad ways. The first relates to time. Leisure is frequently referred to as ‘the time available to the individual when the disciplines of work, sleep and other basic needs have been met’ (Countryside Recreation Research Advisory Group, 1970, p. 5). However, this notion of leisure as a mere leftover denies it any positive character or purpose. In reality, leisure is not simply time free from other things; as many unemployed people and retired people know, free time can be far from leisurely: in large quantity it can be more of a burden than a blessing.

The second approach views leisure more positively as particular types of activity, which may provide rest and recuperation, diversion, excitement, personal and social fulfilment, and, literally, mental or physical re-creation.