Leisure Studies: Themes and Perspectives

′Drawing upon the best traditions of British and North American Leisure Studies, Shaun Best provides a synthesis of relevant social theory, presents thought provoking inquiry-driven examples and invites students to acquire a better understanding of leisure in today′s world′ - Professor David Botterill, University of Wales

What is the place of leisure in societies where people complain of ′over-work′? How do personal freedom and choice relate to the inequalities of class, gender, disability, and ethnicity?

This critical introduction to the field offers a systematic account of the meaning and structure of leisure today.

The book:

• Situates the student in the field
• Provides a comprehensive account of the leading approaches to leisure
• Explores the influence of class, race, gender, ethnicity, disability, and age
• Discusses to role of the state
• Examines leisure in the context of changing work relationships
• Locates leisure in the debate around globalization

In short, this is an indispensable, one-stop guide to understanding leisure. The book will be required reading for courses in Leisure and Recreation Studies, Tourism Studies and Special Event Management.