Pastimes

by Ruth V. Russell

Overview

Pastimes is an introductory text. It gathers together the state of the art in leisure science and practice, reflecting as well a wide range of literature from the disciplines of sociology, psychology, economics, political science, and anthropology. More than a text that teaches the foundational meanings and roles of leisure, however, Pastimes is also a point of view. This text presents leisure as a human phenomenon that is both individual and collective, vital to survival and frivolous, historical and contemporary, good and bad.

There are three main parts. Part one blends philosophy, religious studies, and the humanities in considering leisure as a condition of being human. Not only do chapters 1 through 4 establish the basic definitions and parameters for studying leisure, they ask readers to consider these concepts from their own personal framework. Part two is a focus on leisure's role in creating and reflecting society. Chapters 5 through 8 build on the personal relevancy of leisure discussed in part one and teach about leisure's contemporary cultural significance. These chapters rely on anthropology, sociology, and psychology concepts. Leisure's personal and cultural vitality are brought to a pragmatic conclusion in part three: leisure's use as a social instrument. Material from recreation and park studies is featured in Chapters 9 through 12.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781571678201
Publisher:	Sagamore Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	12/28/2016
Edition description:	Older Edition
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

Table of Contents

Unit 1: Leisure as a Condition of Being Human—Personal ContextChapter One - Meanings of Leisure The Humanities of Leisure Classical Histories of Pastimes Today's Meanings and Connotations Summary: Multiple Meanings References Chapter Two: - Having a Good Time Happiness Pleasure Freedom Intrinsic Reward Play Game Laughter and Humor Ritual Solitude Spirituality Risk Boredom Summary: Leisure Qualities References Chapter Three - Explanations and Speculations Situational Factors that Affect Leisure Behavior Theoretical Explanations for Leisure Behavior Researching for Verification Summary: What WE Do and Do Not Understand about Leisure References Chapter Four - Leisure and Human Development Leisure and Physical Development Leisure and Emotional Development Leisure and Intellectual Development Leisure and Social Development Summary: The Themes of Leisure Through the Life Span Unit II: Leisure as a Cultural Mirror—Societal Context Chapter Five - Leisure's Anthropology (and more...)