Seeking Judgment Free Spaces: Poverty, Leisure, and Social Inclusion

Street-involved youth’s unstructured leisure: activities and their social consequences

“…Similarly, Trusselll and Mair (2010) found that even use of public spaces in the private realm (such as the use of Internet, which can connect individuals in a public domain but can be used in a private setting) helped homeless adults to feel an attachment to the community in a comfortable and safe manner (Trusselll & Mair, 2010). As such, programmed leisure activities as well as unstructured, individual forms of leisure may facilitate connections between street-involved adults and the community.…”

“…In their research on homeless adults' leisure activities, Trusselll and Mair (2010) found that many adult participants used leisure as a way to connect with other adults in similar living situations. In terms of so-called deviant leisure activities (e.g.…”

“…structured) leisure activities can act as important vehicles for facilitating social interactions between street-involved adults and members of mainstream community (Klitzing, 2004;Trusselll & Mair, 2010), so long as the adults are comfortable accessing the local community centres and organizations providing the leisure opportunities (Trusselll & Mair, 2010). Trusselll and Mair (2010) found that homeless adults who participated in structured leisure programmes reported making strong social connections through these activities.…”

“…Other studies of homeless men's and women's leisure activities have found that popular leisure activities include journaling, listening to music, reading, watching television (Klitzing, 2004;Trusselll & Mair, 2010), using computers/Internet, online games, walking, (Borchard, 2010;Klitzing, 2004;Trusselll & Mair, 2010), people watching on public park benches or at coffee shops, generally spending time together outside of the shelter, and at times drinking in public parks (Borchard, 2010). While the abovementioned studies show a range of leisure activities in which homeless adults participate, the literature depicting street-involved youth and leisure refers almost exclusively to drug and alcohol use.…”

Marginalization in Leisure and Health Resources in a Rural U.S. Town: Social Justice Issues Related to Age, Race, and Class

“…Dawson (2008) also points out that recreation staff may be unwelcoming to the lower class, further oppressing participation. In one study, Trussell and Mair (2010) found that leisure organizations that foster acceptance as well as having enhanced opportunities in the community for inclusion were central considerations for individuals living in poverty. Scott (2013) highlights several other ways leisure practitioners can better serve poorer community members.…”