Leisure Myths and Mythmaking

This book explores the powerful leisure stories that may otherwise be understood as myths, which are partial truths that privilege particular versions of a shared social reality. It highlights the "absent presence" of myths and mythmaking in leisure research, and how they can animate peoples lives, motivate collective action, and inspire change. The chapters were originally published as a special issue of Leisure Sciences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into a rich tapestry of powerful leisure stories, often perceived as myths, that permeate the field of leisure studies and extend beyond its boundaries. In everyday language, a myth perpetuates a widely held belief that may be false or untrue. However, in the realm of social and cultural theories, myths take on a more intricate nature, serving as partial truths that privilege specific versions of a shared social reality. Within the context of leisure studies, we perceive a pervasive "absent presence" of myths, prompting us to explore their essence, functions, and widespread circulation, ultimately shaping the leisure experiences of individuals.

Myths, as the chapters in this edited volume vividly demonstrate, possess the remarkable ability to transcend mere obfuscation and animate the very essence of human lives. They ignite motivations for collective action, sparking transformative change. From the shared myths of musical legends to the myths of placemaking and communities, from the origin myths of sport practices to the realms of fantasy and festivals, to the significance of storytelling as mythmaking in tourism, these chapters unravel the intricate connections between reality and imagination. Each chapter serves as a poignant reminder to the readers of the "absent presence" of myths and mythmaking within the realm of leisure research.

The chapters in this book originally appeared as a special issue of Leisure Sciences, showcasing the depth and breadth of research in this field. This collection offers a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the enigmatic world of leisure myths and mythmaking, and illuminating their profound impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032285771