Whatever Happened to the Leisure Society?

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Whatever Happened to the Leisure Society? by A. J. Veal, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: A. J. Veal ISBN: 9781351972024
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 10, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: A. J. Veal
ISBN: 9781351972024
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 10, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The idea of a ‘leisure society’ was in its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, when it was predicted that the pattern of falling working hours which had been experienced in Western societies in the first half of the twentieth century would continue indefinitely. The leisure society has clearly not been realised. On the contrary: contemporary industrial societies seem to be characterised by a shortage of time, experienced as ‘time squeeze’ and stress. The leisure society idea can be seen as the modern version of the age-old dream of a ‘life of ease and plenty’.

This analytically and empirically rich book traces the idea in history, through biblical, classical Greek, medieval and nineteenth century utopian writings and into twentieth century concerns with dystopia and the impact of rapid technological change. The ‘leisure society’ concept turns out to have been an elusive and short-lived phenomenon. For a variety of reasons, the trend towards shorter working hours ran out of steam in the last quarter of the twentieth century. However, while leisure scholars have deserted the topic, a diverse range of activists, including environmentalists, economists and feminists, continue to make the case for reducing working hours. Whatever Happened to the Leisure Society? concludes that the on-going ‘struggle for time’ should be supported, for the sake of human health and well-being and for the sake of the planet.

This is a valuable resource for students and academics in the fields of leisure studies, cultural studies, history, economics, sociology and political science.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The idea of a ‘leisure society’ was in its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, when it was predicted that the pattern of falling working hours which had been experienced in Western societies in the first half of the twentieth century would continue indefinitely. The leisure society has clearly not been realised. On the contrary: contemporary industrial societies seem to be characterised by a shortage of time, experienced as ‘time squeeze’ and stress. The leisure society idea can be seen as the modern version of the age-old dream of a ‘life of ease and plenty’.

This analytically and empirically rich book traces the idea in history, through biblical, classical Greek, medieval and nineteenth century utopian writings and into twentieth century concerns with dystopia and the impact of rapid technological change. The ‘leisure society’ concept turns out to have been an elusive and short-lived phenomenon. For a variety of reasons, the trend towards shorter working hours ran out of steam in the last quarter of the twentieth century. However, while leisure scholars have deserted the topic, a diverse range of activists, including environmentalists, economists and feminists, continue to make the case for reducing working hours. Whatever Happened to the Leisure Society? concludes that the on-going ‘struggle for time’ should be supported, for the sake of human health and well-being and for the sake of the planet.

This is a valuable resource for students and academics in the fields of leisure studies, cultural studies, history, economics, sociology and political science.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Twentieth-Century Chamber Music by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book The New Economic Diplomacy by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book Adult Comics by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book Traditional Slovak Folktales by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book The European Union and Occupied Palestinian Territories by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book The Price of War by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book Human Associative Memory by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book The Political Road to War with Iraq by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book The Nikolais/Louis Dance Technique by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book The Environmental Communication Yearbook by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book Putting Learning Before Technology! by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book Human Rights and the Judicialisation of African Politics by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book When the Moon Waxes Red by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book Ethics and Community in the Health Care Professions by A. J. Veal
Cover of the book The Idea of History in Constructing Economics by A. J. Veal
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy