Cultural and social factors

What you will learn about Cultural and social factors 2 What you will learn about in this topic: Opportunities available for leisure time Providers and users

Cultural and social factors 3 Learning objectives By the end of this presentation you should be able to: Understand that people have different amounts of leisure time Describe particular user groups that exist Explain what different factors affect leisure time

Opportunities available Cultural and social factors 4 Opportunities available There are a number of reasons why people have more leisure and recreation time today, for example, advances in technology and developments in industry. More available time is now spent on leisure activities, which has led to a growth in the industry to meet the demand. 4

Cultural and social factors 5 Labour-saving devices now assist with the majority of manual jobs. For example, factory machines and printing presses, meaning that tasks can be completed much more quickly.

Cultural and social factors 6 Computers, the Internet and mobile phones mean that people can now work from home or whilst travelling. Home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers save time on household tasks. 6

Cultural and social factors 7 Transport is now more affordable and has made it easier for people to fly abroad on holiday for example.

Cultural and social factors 8 Part-time or flexible working hours means people have more leisure time, so more activities have been created to fill this time.

Those who are unemployed also need leisure provisions. Cultural and social factors 9 Those who are unemployed also need leisure provisions. Provisions could include sports clubs offering concessions or reduced fees to help them get involved in physical activities. 9

Cultural and social factors 10 Employees now receive paid holiday from work. Not only are these a legal requirement but employers also realize the importance of a well-rested workforce. People in full-time work no longer have to work seven days a week and additional bank holidays adds to time off work. 10

Cultural and social factors 11 People are also now living longer. Twenty per cent of the population are aged over 60. This is partly due to people having access to better medication and medical care, which is helping to increase life expectancy. 11

However, this is likely to change due to the pension crisis. Cultural and social factors 12 Early retirement has meant more people are able to enjoy their recreation and leisure time. Early retirement has increased as more people have acquired substantial savings or investments, which can support them financially. However, this is likely to change due to the pension crisis. 12

Cultural and social factors 13 People may also want to work longer as they are healthier, physically able and the introduction of age discrimination laws means that the opportunity to continue working is available. However, sometimes people have no choice and need to continue working beyond retirement age due to financial issues. 13

Cultural and social factors 14 Task 1 With a partner, discuss the differences between the amount of leisure people have now to what they would have had at the beginning of the twentieth century and why. For example, for people who were coal miners. Teacher’s notes Students should note that there would have been little leisure time at the beginning of the twentieth century because working days were longer and involved a lot of manual labour. Any leisure and recreation time that would have existed would have been spent with family.

Cultural and social factors 15 Providers and users Provider groups, such as sports clubs, are set up and run for the benefit of those that use its facilites. Profits are usually channelled back into the club to enable them to continue to provide a service in their local community. Private sports clubs favour those who can afford to pay for service. 15

Cultural and social factors 16 Local authorities often make provision for particular user groups through public funding (taxes) to enable everyone to access sporting facilities. 16

User groups can include: Parent and toddler groups The unemployed Cultural and social factors 17 User groups can include: Parent and toddler groups The unemployed The under fives The disabled The elderly Students 17

Cultural and social factors 18 Task 2 What concessions can local sports providers make during a ‘credit crunch’ to encourage people to use their facilities? Discuss your answer in small groups. Teacher’s notes Answers can include: two for one deals; swimming sessions where kids go free when an adult ticket is purchased; discounted rates for large groups, and so on. Private clubs could offer discount rates if people take out a membership.

Cultural and social factors 19 Exam question Leisure time is increasing. Give reasons for such increases. In order to make physical activity available to all, certain user groups are given special provisions. Describe two of these groups and say why such provision is important. Teacher’s notes Q1 Answers could include: part-time and flexi-time working hours, advances in technology, labour-saving devices, paid holidays, early retirement, rise in unemployment. Q2 It is important that facilities are provided for a variety of different user groups in order that everyone has the opportunity to take part in physical activity regardless of their ability, race, religion or personal circumstances.

What you have learnt about Cultural and social factors 20 What you have learnt about in this topic: Opportunities available for leisure time Providers and users

Learning objectives You should now be able to: Cultural and social factors 21 Learning objectives You should now be able to: Understand that people have different amounts of leisure time Describe particular user groups that exist Explain what different factors affect leisure time