Contemporary Perspectives in Leisure Meanings, Motives and Lifelong Learning [Hardcover]

We are entering a new era of leisure. Quality rather than quantity is now the focus of researchers, policymakers and managers. Technological change, an ageing population and a harsh economic climate are changing the values and practices of leisure, as well as the relationship between leisure, society and the individual.

Contemporary Perspectives in Leisure uses a variety of disciplinary approaches to introduce the most important trends in contemporary leisure in the Twenty-First Century. With contributions from some of the leading international figures in modern leisure studies, the book examines key philosophical and theoretical debates around leisure, with reference to concepts such as happiness, enjoyment and quality of life, as well as the most interesting contemporary themes in leisure studies, from youth leisure and dark leisure to technology and adventure.

Understanding changes in leisure helps us to better understand changes in wider society. Contemporary Perspectives in Leisure is a perfect companion to any course in leisure studies, and useful reading for any student or scholar working in sociology, cultural studies, recreation, tourism, sport, or social psychology.

Part 1: Meanings  Ch 1. Leisure in the Laboratory and Other Strange Notions: Psychological Research on the Subjective Nature of Leisure - Roger Mannell  Ch 2. Escape from time: Experience the travel within - Pete McGrath  Ch 3. Leisure, Happiness and Positive Lifestyle - Robert A. Stebbins  Ch 4. Leisure, Life, Enjoyment and Well-Being - John Howarth  Ch 5. Deviance, Dark Tourism and Dark Leisure: Towards a (re)configuration of morality and the taboo in secular society - Phil Stone and Richard Sharpley  Part 2: Motives  Ch 6. The Unsustainability of Leisure: The Sustainabl#m