Changing Perspectives on the Work–Leisure Relationship

Abstract

in this paper, selected theories and research on the work-leisure relationship are reviewed and approaches that might be developed further in relation to changing workplace cultures and socio-economic trends are discussed, with a particular focus on canada. Key concerns in studying and theorising about work and leisure are highlighted and potential areas for development are discussed. Beginning with foundational work-leisure theories based on a manufacturing economy, selected theories of advanced capitalism are introduced along with contemporary theorising about the work-leisure relationship in response to social and structural changes. the varied nature of employment experiences suggests that it is unlikely a grand, overarching theory of the work-leisure relationship is desirable, or even possible. While globalisation will lead to some shared experiences, other factors that influence experiences of work and leisure such as cultural differences, geographic variability, and gender relations should not be overlooked in future research into the work-leisure relationship.

Digital nomads – a quest for holistic freedom in work and leisure

“…Due to technological, economic and social changes (Haworth & Veal, 2004), it is 'necessary to ask repeatedly whether we need to revise our notions about what leisure is' (Roberts, 2011, p. 5). Leisure as work's counterpart was originally considered a secondary, dependent variable (Hilbrecht, 2007); based on the often communicated desire of digital nomads to increase leisure (e.g. Russell, 2013;Walsh, 2012) this paper places the concept of leisure in the centre of the discussion and explores the role of work in a second step and in relation to it.…”

Leisure in the Turkish Context: A Preliminary Account

“…Recent accounts of Chinese (Liu, Yeh, could be organized better to help working Chick and Zinn, 2008) and Japanese (Home, Women to benefit from leisure opport~nities 1998) leisure are examples of such studies. (Hilbrecht, 2007). Scraton and Watson (1 998) Walker and Wang (2009) analyze the meaning further suggest that women are not a homogeof leisure for Chinese Canadians, while Arab-neous group and their leisure choices are not Moghaddam, Henderson and Sheikholeslami exempt from Power relations.…”

Leisure and tourism in Sweden: A Challenge for All Actors

“…The "slow city" movement that originated in Europe is a good example of searching for a new way of life in the pursuit of happiness (www.slowcity.com). This development may be seen as an alternative to work and productivity-oriented leisure (Hilbrecht, 2007;Kleiber, 2000). Distinct leisure patterns in different cultures seem to persist despite global influences.…”

“…McDowell, Ward, Fagan, Perrons and Ray (2006) discuss the situation of working women in a large city in which the organization of daily life affects their time spent on and experience of child care. Spatial factors could be organized better to help working women to benefit from leisure opportunities (Hilbrecht, 2007). Scraton and Watson (1998) further suggest that women are not a homogeneous group and their leisure choices are not exempt from power relations.…”