1. Elective 3 – Social Studies LEISURE

2. In today’s class we will be learning: - What leisure is The functions and values of leisure What influences leisure patterns How leisure influences personal development

3. Leisure is time spent away from work and other essential tasks. Leisure activities are enjoyable and done willingly and freely

4. Examples of leisure activities: -

5. Reasons that leisure activities have become popular : Decreased working hours means that people can spend more time on leisure activities. More people are involved in part-time work. Options such as career breaks, job-sharing or early retirement are available to many. Many jobs have a high level of stress, which leisure activities help to relieve. These are the functions and values of leisure

6. Reasons that leisure activities have become popular : People have more disposable income to spend on leisure activities. The media have popularised some activities, especially ones linked to health and fitness, e.g. 5k runs It’s a means of socialising and meeting new people. Leisure activity has become more of a part of education with PE taught in all schools and Leisure and Recreation studies being part of L.C.A. These are the functions and values of leisure

7. Choosing a leisure activity Certain factors affect peoples choice of leisure activity. These factors can be: - social or class-based. Cultural factors Occupation Gender Age

8. 1. SOCIAL FACTORS In the past the type of activity chosen had a strong association with social class. Traditionally, sports like horseracing and hunting were associated with the upper class. As there is less and less emphasis on class barriers, these associations are slowly fading.

9. 1. CULTURAL FACTORS The culture in which a person is raised can influence their choice of activity. Certain leisure activities are associated with a particular area e.g. oIreland – Hurling oEngland - Cricket Music and dance can also be culturally based e.g. oIreland – Irish dancing oAmerica – Hip-hop

10. 2. OCCUPATION Most people choose activities that complement or contrast with their everyday routine. Employees in very regimented jobs may choose something which gives a feeling of freedom, such as rock-climbing. Workers in sedentary jobs may choose active pastimes. Workers in active jobs may choose activities such as reading or crafts.

11. 3. Age Different groups within society may have interests linked to their age. Many young people spend a lot of their free time on sports, music, computers etc… Married people often spend their leisure time on activities related to their children or the house. Middle aged or older people may have more money and time for expensive or time- consuming leisure activities. After retirement, money may be less plentiful and passive activities are often chosen.

12. 4. Gender Society has tended to associate men and women with different hobbies e.g. football with men. Female activities tended to include exercises, such as yoga or dance.

13. How leisure activities benefit the individual Individual and family leisure activities play an important role in the physical, social and emotional development of the individual. An activity like going to the cinema can provide relaxation and relieve stress caused by the everyday pressures of life. Many leisure activities are fitness-based, so they may improve health e.g. aqua-aerobics. Taking up a craft or a hobby can relieve boredom.

14. How leisure activities benefit the individual May boost self-esteem. A pastime can take people from an environment where they feel isolated and create a social interaction. Helps to build team skills. Many activities are educational, e.g. learning a language. Leisure activities can stimulate the senses, e.g. listening to music.