Race, Class, Parenting and Children's Leisure: Children's Leisurescapes and Parenting Cultures in Middle-class British Indian Families

The changing leisure lives of children are influenced by organized activities and screen-based leisure, which have reconfigured parenting practices. This book highlights the voices of children and parents from middle-class British Indian families and bridges childhood studies, family studies, and leisure studies to theorize children's leisure from a fresh perspective, emphasizing the importance of race and class in shaping leisure cultures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The landscape of children's leisure activities is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the growing dominance of organized activities and screen-based leisure. This shift has not only impacted children's experiences but also reshaped parenting practices. However, our current understanding of these processes remains limited and predominantly drawn from the experiences of white middle-class families. In an innovative study, this book seeks to rectify this by bringing the voices of children and parents to the forefront and bridging the fields of childhood studies, family studies, and leisure studies to theorize children's leisure from a fresh perspective. By highlighting the interplay of race and class in shaping leisure cultures within middle-class racialized families, this book makes a valuable contribution to critical sociological debates surrounding leisure, childhoods, and parenting ideologies.

The rise of organized activities and screen-based leisure has had a profound impact on children's leisure lives. As parents navigate this changing landscape, they are faced with new challenges and opportunities. One of the significant changes is the increased emphasis on structured and supervised activities, which can provide children with valuable learning experiences and social connections. However, this shift has also led to concerns about the loss of unstructured play and the potential impact on children's physical and mental health.

Another aspect of the changing leisure landscape is the increasing prevalence of screen-based entertainment, such as television, video games, and social media. While these technologies can provide children with educational and recreational opportunities, they can also contribute to sedentary behavior, poor sleep habits, and social isolation. Parents need to be mindful of the amount of time their children spend on screens and encourage them to engage in a variety of activities that promote physical and social development.

The changing leisure landscape has also had an impact on parenting practices. Parents are now more likely to prioritize their children's academic success and extracurricular activities over unstructured play. This can lead to a sense of pressure and stress for both children and parents, as they strive to meet societal expectations and achieve academic milestones. However, it is important to recognize that unstructured play is crucial for children's development and well-being. It provides them with opportunities to explore their interests, develop creativity, and build social skills.

In addition to the impact on children's leisure lives, the changing leisure landscape has also had implications for family dynamics. As parents spend more time working and managing their careers, they may have less time available for family activities and outings. This can lead to increased stress and conflict within families, as parents struggle to balance their responsibilities with their children's needs.

To address these challenges, parents need to be proactive in promoting children's leisure and well-being. This can include providing opportunities for unstructured play, limiting screen time, and engaging in family activities that promote physical and social development. It is also important for parents to communicate with their children about their leisure activities and concerns, and to work together to find solutions that meet the needs of both the child and the family.

In conclusion, the changing leisure landscape has had a significant impact on children's lives, and it is important for parents to be aware of these changes and to take steps

In conclusion, the changing leisure landscape has had a significant impact on children's lives, and it is important for parents to be aware of these changes and to take proactive steps to promote children's leisure and well-being. By bringing the voices of children and parents to the forefront and bridging the fields of childhood studies, family studies, and leisure studies, this book makes a valuable contribution to critical sociological debates surrounding leisure, childhoods, and parenting ideologies. By highlighting the interplay of race, and class in shaping leisure cultures within middle-class racialized families, this book makes a valuable contribution to critical sociological debates surrounding leisure, childhoods, and parenting ideologies. By highlighting the interplay of race, and class in shaping leisure cultures within middle-class racialized families, this book makes a valuable contribution to critical sociological debates surrounding leisure, childhoods, and parenting ideologies. By highlighting the interplay of race, and class in shaping leisure cultures within middle-class racialized families, this book makes a valuable contribution to critical sociological debates surrounding leisure, childhoods, and parenting ideologies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529219517