The Politics of Leisure

This book explores entanglements between politics and leisure, highlighting the contributions of past scholarship and pointing toward a trend of increasingly political leisure research. It demonstrates the importance of scholars and educators engaging in politically-oriented scholarship while building a more diverse and intellectually productive academy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 110 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate web of entanglements between politics and leisure, encompassing a wide range of topics. From the concerns of electorates regarding public recreation resources to the pervasive presence of politics in everyday conversations, and even the utilization of leisure as a tool to perpetuate racial hierarchies in society, the book explores the multifaceted connections between these two spheres. By drawing upon the rich contributions of past scholarship, it also highlights a growing trend in political leisure research, which aims to unravel the complex ways in which power permeates the realm of leisure experiences.

A crucial distinction is made between being political on the one hand and the tribal politicization that pervades much of contemporary social life on the other. This contrast underscores the importance of scholars and educators engaging in politically-oriented scholarship while also working towards creating a more diverse and intellectually stimulating academy. This edited volume, which comprises chapters originally published as a special issue of the journal "Leisure Sciences," holds immense appeal to researchers and scholars who are passionate about exploring issues related to race, power, polarization, and the intricate interplay between politics and leisure.

The chapters in this book offer insightful perspectives and empirical research on various aspects of the politics of leisure. They examine how leisure spaces and activities are shaped by political processes, how leisure is used as a tool for social control and mobilization, and how leisure experiences can contribute to the perpetuation or transformation of social inequalities. By examining these topics from different disciplinary angles, the book provides a multi-faceted understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our leisure experiences and their broader societal implications.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and policymakers interested in understanding the complex relationships between politics and leisure. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of these two spheres, providing insights into the ways in which power, identity, and social structures interact in the realm of leisure. By exploring these topics in depth, the book contributes to our understanding of the world and helps us to navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise in our increasingly political and leisure-driven society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032056272