Leisure

From ZuluNotes - Free Leaving Cert Notes

Leisure is the time spent not in work, school or college. It is doing things that relieve stress and relax us. There are several factors that influence what sort of leisure activities we partake in:

1. Social influence
2. Cultural influence
3. Occupational influence
4. Age
5. Gender

1. Social influence:
   • If we do not have a lot of money it is difficult to pay for sports that are expensive, e.g. golf.
   • On the other hand people with a lot of money will be able to afford membership.
   • People from poor socio-economic background may take up activities which cost little or no money e.g. running, walking, cycling etc.
   • Where we live influences our choice in leisure activity, e.g. swimming pool, soccer club etc. What is available locally?
   • Some leisure activities come in and out of fashion e.g. skateboarding, line dancing.
2. Culture:
   • Certain games are associated with certain countries e.g. baseball in the USA, Gaelic sports in Ireland.
   • In Ireland, certain types of GAA are associated with some counties e.g. football in Kerry.
   • Dancing e.g. Irish dancing in Ireland, flamenco in Spain.
   • Family culture e.g. if someone's father plays traditional Irish music perhaps their daughter/son will do the same.
3. Occupation:
   • How much one earns will influence what one can afford.
   • People who are always sitting down in work (sedentary worker) may want to take up a physical activity.
   • Some jobs offer leisure, e.g. business golf outings.
   • Some people want to extend their client base.
4. Age:
   • Older people do not get involved in much physical activity.
   • Some are too dangerous for children, e.g. scuba diving.
   • Interests vary depending on age, e.g. children may like computer games, adults may like hill-climbing.
   • Young single people have more time on their hands usually.
   • Young families might have to spend money on mortgage therefore they are unable to spend it on leisure.
5. Gender:
   • Most sports still dominated by one gender, e.g. men play rugby, women play camogie.
   • Crafts associated with men, e.g. woodwork, whereas crafts are associated with women, e.g. knitting.
   • Time available, e.g. a career lady will not have as much time as a house-husband for leisure.

Functions of leisure:

1. To relax and unwind
2. Improve physical well-being
3. New skills are developed
4. Introduces challenges
5. Uses our senses, e.g. hearing, sight
6. Family bonding
7. Social interaction
8. Sets good examples for children