HE113 INTRODUCTION TO LEISURE & RECREATIONChapter 1 Recreation and LeisureD D Mclean, M R Hurd and N B Rogers (2008), Kraus Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society, 8th Edn, Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Learning OutcomesDiscuss the varied views and perceptions of what leisure and recreation are, and what purpose each serves.Identify primary motives for participation in recreation and leisure activity.Identify and discuss the dominant social factors that are currently influencing the recreation and leisure-service professions.Articulate the current challenges facing the recreation and leisure-service field, including the need for a more highly defined professional identity.

VARIED VIEWS OF RECREATION & LEISURERecreationThe network of public agencies that provide such facilities as parks, playgrounds, aquatic centers, sports fields & community centers in thousands of cities, towns, countries & park districts todayFor a growing generation of young people, recreation & leisure have taken on new meanings of adventure, risk, excitement & fulfillment as they seek to meld technology & recreation. Not include any physical activity but focus on internet games, downloading / sharing music, instant messaging & new ventures we have yet to see or understandEnvironmentalists may be concerned about the impact of outdoor forms of traditional & emerging play on our natural surroundings (forests, mountains, rivers & lakes)

VARIED VIEWS OF RECREATION & LEISUREDiversity in participationRecreation not only as participation in sports & games or in social activities & to ignore other forms of playRecreation actually includes broad range of leisure pursuits including travel & tourism, cultural entertainment or participation in the arts, hobbies, membership in social clubs or interest groups, nature-related activities (camping or hunting & fishing, attendance at parties or other special events, & fitness activitiesMay be highly tough & physically demanding or may be intellectual activityMay be represent of interest, involvement & experience

VARIED VIEWS OF RECREATION & LEISUREMotivations for recreational participationAs a form of relaxation & release from work pressures or other tensionsMay be passive spectators of entertainment provided by television, movies or other forms of electronic amusementBased on the need to express creativity, hidden talents, or pursue excellence in varied forms of personal expressionActive & competitive recreation may offer a channel for releasing hostility & aggression or for struggling against others or the environment in adventurous, high risk pursuitsOthers enjoy recreation that is highly social & provides the opportunity for making new friends or cooperating with others in group settings

VARIED VIEWS OF RECREATION & LEISUREMotivations for recreational participationLeisure activities that involve community service or permit them to provide leadership in fraternal or religious organizationsOthers take part in activities that promote health & physical fitness as a primary goalGrowing number of participants enjoy participation in the expanding world of computer based entertainment & communication including CD-ROMs, internet games, video games & personal digital assistants with games, the internet, etc.Others involved in forms of culture such as music, drama, dance, literature & fine artsNew environments through travel & tourism or seeking self discovery or personality enrichment through continuing education or religious activity represent other important leisure drives

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENTIncrease in Discretionary TimeNational AffluenceCommodification of LeisurePopulation TrendsWhere People Live: Urbanization & SuburbanizationInfluence of TechnologyRecreations Contribution to Health & FitnessEnvironmental ConcernsThe changing familyMaturation of organized leisure-service field

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT1. Increase in Discretionary TimeAn increase in workweek hours for many individualsThe increase in work hours appears to have been selective with certain groups in the population (professionals or business managers) working longer hours but with other individuals continuing to have relatively short workweeksThe increase in holidays, vacations, early retirement & the needs of special population groups (disabilities or underemployed) it is apparent that leisure continues to present a huge opportunities

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT2. National AffluenceTwentieth century, household income continued to rise steadily in both nations (United States & Canada) with the total amount spend on varied forms of recreation increasing from decade to decadeGrowing class of millionaires is able to enjoy a host of expensive forms of recreation

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT3. Commodification of LeisureGiant conglomerates such as Time Warner, Disney & Viacom have been taken over control of huge corporations that run music, television & movie businessesThese conglomerates also own sports stadium & professional teams, cruise ships & theme parks, other leisure operationsNew facilities offering varied forms of recreationE.g. Huge public fitness centers include aquatic areas, aerobics, dance rooms & facilities for family play & host of other activities are being built often with charges for membership that cost several hundred dollars a year

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT4. Population TrendsDramatic diversifications in racial & ethical terms has taken place particularly in the United StatesGrowing of immigrants from Asia, Latin America, some third world regions often markedly higher birthratesPopular culture, sports & other leisure related areas reflects these population changes

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT5. Where People Live: Urbanization & SuburbanizationPlaygrounds for children, sport fields for youths & adults, networks of parks throughout country, civic minded individuals joined together to establish symphony orchestras, opera companies, art & natural history museums & librariesRecreation & park development as a key factor in promoting the revival of many larger cities as wealthy citizens moved into developed residential areasWaterfront or factory areas transformed into attractive sites for shopping, sightseeing, cultural activities & entertainment

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT5. Where People Live: Urbanization & SuburbanizationRecreation as critical to making cities more livable, attracting tourist & retaining middle class & wealthy residentsPublic recreation & park departments constructed new water play parks, tennis complexes, creative arts centers, marinas & other recreational facilities

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT6. Influence of TechnologyOutdoor recreation for examples, makes use of increasingly complex & expensive devices in activities (skydiving, hang gliding, scuba diving, boating, hunting, fishing, rollerblading, skiing & snowboarding)Computer dating provides a new form of social contact for single adults & video games offer interactive competition or exposure to new varieties of play settings & virtual realitiesImportant part of travel & tourism with airlines, cruise ships, resorts & major parks maintaining Web pages that provide information & facilitate reservations & vacation choices

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT6. Influence of TechnologyEvery aspect of professional recreation, park & leisure service management, computer software has become crucial in program planning, scheduling, public relations, fiscal & personnel management & maintaining agency information systems Home based recreation has become increasingly dependent on varied forms of electronic entertainment with television, interactive video games, CD-ROMs, cassette players & similar devices.Home based technological forms of entertainment & communication being an important factor

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT7. Recreations Contribution to Health & Fitness1970s & 1980s trend was the growth of public interest in exercise & physical fitness programsRealizing that modern life is frequently inactive, sedentary, beset by tensions, & subject to a host of unhealthy habits (overeating, smoking & drinking) popular concern developed about improving ones health, vitality & appearance through diet & exerciseParticipation in activities as walking, aerobics, swimming, running & jogging, racquet sports & similar energetic pursuits has more than physiological effectsAlso has physiological value for those who exercise regularly look & feel better

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT7. Recreations Contribution to Health & FitnessExperts have concluded that fitness is not a passing phase; the publics desire to be healthy & physically attractive is supported by continuing publicity, social values, personal pride & solid business senseResearch showed that most successful fitness programs to be those provided an ingredient of recreational interest & satisfaction-E.g. Employee fitness program in Canada, Wankel found that although all enrollees had physical fitness as a strong initial motivation, those who continued to be involved had other objectives for joining the program (objectives of a non health related nature) as competition, curiosity, developing recreational skills & going out with friends

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT7.Recreations Contribution to Health & Fitness

Through the 1990s, there were reports that the rate of adult participation in regular fitness activities was declining. Although evidence showed that regular vigorous activity helped to prevent cardiovasculardisease, cancer & a number of other serious illnesses, the percentage of adults taking part in active exercise regimens was sharply lower than at the height of the fitness boom. Similarly, there was strong evidence that children & youth in the United States wereincreasingly obese & in poor physical condition.

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT7. Recreations Contribution to Health & FitnessCertain recreational sports (youth soccer, volleyball & ice hockey) have grown in popularitySports participation in organized high school athletic programs is at an all time high for girls & boysGrowing number of state school systems have reduced or eliminated physical education requirements which means that organized recreation programs represent an even more important means of promoting physical fitness for children & youth

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT8. Environmental ConcernsIn Canada, Searle & Brayley write:

Recognition of the need to protect our natural resources & to provide opportunities for Canadians to experience their leisure in natural environments & places of historical significance led to the creation of Banff National Park in 1885 by the Canadian Government. This led to the creation of the national parks system, the largest in the world. It has also led to the systematic protection of historic sites. Similar initiatives by provincial park services make an important contribution to the social fabric of the nation & increasingly to the health of its environment.

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT8. Environmental ConcernsOutdoor recreation activities (camping, biking, backpacking, boating, hunting, fishing, skiing & mountain climbing depend heavily on parks, forests & water areas operated chiefly by public recreation & park agencies.The concern of many people regarding the health of the nations outdoor resources stems from more than the need for outdoor recreation spaces

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT8.Environmental Concerns

LaPage & Ranney point out that one of the most powerful sources of Americas essential cultural fiber & spirit is the land itself:

The roots of this new nation & its people become the forests & rivers, deserts & mountains & the challenges and inspirations they presented, not the ruins of ancient civilizations most other cultures look to for ancestral continuity. Thus, America developed a different attitude & identity.

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT8.Environmental ConcernsThe environmental has received strong support from many recreation advocates & organizationsRecognized activities as fishing & hunting are just part of a bigger scene that requires clean & safe air and water & wise use of the landFollowing two decades, there was a wave of federal & state legislative action & funding support in the US that was designed to acquire open space, to protect imperiled forests, wetlands, & scenic areas to help endangered species flourish & to reclaim the nations wild rivers & trails1980- national administration in the US sought to reduce park & open space funding, eliminate conservation programs & environmental regulations & to renewed economic exploitation

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT8.Environmental Concerns

1990- The effort to open up protected wilderness areas to increased oil drilling, cattle grazing, lumbering & other commercial uses gained strong political supportOrganizations have been in the forefront of the continuing battle to protect the nations natural resourcesEarth day 2000- it was clear that North America air was cleaner & its water purer than for many past decadesThere was more protected open space in national parks, wildlife, refuges & wilderness areas

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT8.Environmental Concerns

Whitman writes:

Survey indicate that only 14% to 36% of Americans believe that the environment has improved a great deal since 1970. According to 1999 Roperpoll, 56% wory that the next 10 years will be the last decade when humans will have a chance to save the earth from an environmental catastrophe.

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT9. The changing familyThe deterioration in several forms:Fragmentation of family lifeIncrease in the number of children born out of wedlockDivorces & separationsSingle parent householdsExpanding problem of alcohol & drug abuse among youngIncrease in random & senseless violence - often on an individual basis but also linked to gang generated conflict in cities large & smallPresence of homeless people in increasing number on the streets, in parks & under highways & viaducts Acceptance of communities in gambling as a solution to the economic problems of states & citiesGrowing tolerance of prostitution & other commercially linked forms of sexual entertainmentPatterns of civility & human decency that should prevail in everyday life have been widely abandoned

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT9. The changing family

What to do these trends have to do with recreation & leisure?Many of the popular but morally questionable pursuits just described represent a search for pleasure, novelty & excitementTend to displace more traditional & constructive forms of playRepresent a major challenge to recreation managers, leaders & program planners in public & nonprofit community leisure service agencies who must compete with them for the attention of participants & must struggle against their demoralizing effects on community life

-The creators & distributors of popular motion pictures & television shows, video games, books, magazines & even toys - are being blamed for having created a climate that tolerates immorality, crime, sexual & physical abuse of children & random violence

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT9. The changing family

1992- Attacks were reveled at the producers of television shows for undermining the nations traditional codes of sexual behavior & parental responsibilityAfter 1992- Major political figures have blamed the cultural elite- particularly executives & creative leaders in the communications & entertainment media for deliberately promoting sensational themes or publicizing events, personalities, shocking crimes & distorted relationships which has resulted in a decline of family values & civic moralityLate 1990- growing number of public & nonprofit leisure service organizations have initiated innovative, comprehensive programs designed to serve at risk youthLeisure service agencies along with religious organizations, the schools & parents groups will need to more intensive & focused efforts to promote family stability in American life & to overcome the effects of poverty, intergroup conflicts & negative impact of destructive forms of play

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT10Maturation of the Organized Leisure-Service Field-10 Categories of Recreation & Leisure service:Government agencies -Federal, state & provincial agencies & local departments of recreation & parks that provide leisure services as primary function, other agencies (social service, education, special populations & armed forces) offer or assist recreation programs as a secondary responsibilityVoluntary organizations-Nongovernmental, nonprofit agencies, sectarian & nonsectarian, serving the public at large/selected elements of it with multiservice programs (E.g. YMCA, Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts)

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT10Maturation of the Organized Leisure-Service Field10 Categories of Recreation & Leisure service:Private membership organizationsAs golf, tennis, yacht, athletic & country clubs, service clubs & fraternal bodies that provide recreational & social activities for their own members, assist community recreation needs as well (swimming pools, sports / fitness complexes or clubs attached to leisure villages, apartment or condominium units or retirement communitiesCommercial recreation enterprises-Great variety of privately owned for profit businesses (ski centers, bowling alleys, nightclubs, movie houses or theaters, health spas/ fitness centers, dancing schools, amusement / theme parks & other enterprises that provide leisure services

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT10Maturation of the Organized Leisure-Service Field10 Categories of Recreation & Leisure service:Employee recreation programs (formerly called industrial recreation)Who work for given companies / other employers by providing recreation as part of a total personnel benefits package linked to other services concerned with employee health & fitnessArmed forces recreation-Form of government sponsored activity-tends to operate an extensive network of recreation facilities & programs worldwideCampus recreation-Sports clubs, social activities, trip & travel programs, performing arts groups, entertainment, lounges, film series & other forms of recreation on college & university campuses

SOCIAL FACTORS PROMOTING THE RECREATION & PARK MOVEMENT10Maturation of the Organized Leisure-Service Field10 Categories of Recreation & Leisure service:Therapeutic recreation services-Meet the needs of persons with physical or mental disabilities, individuals with poor health, dependent aging persons, socially deviant persons in correctional facilities or other treatment settings & similar special groupsSports participation & spectatorship-Professional sports, collegiate sports, public parks & recreation, private sport enterprises, youth sports, sports for individuals with disabilities & moreTravel, tourism & hospitality management-Involves all of the travel & tourism industry (airlines, cruise ships, destination resorts, conference & resort centers, amusement parks, festival & the like

NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIPNeed for qualified professional leadershipPeople always assume that the task of organizing & conducting recreation programs is simple one & anyone can do it without specialized training because they see that many youths & adults in our society do provide recreational leadership without trainingCommunity needs, wants & capabilities while balancing demands & resources requires a trained recreation & park professionalProfessional management involves tasks as planning & building recreation facilities from golf courses, swimming complex, supervising leadership & maintenance personnel, campaigns & assessing public needs & demands

NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIPTherapeutic program - Need intensive knowledge of illness & effects, medical terminology, anatomy, kinesiology & psychopathologyRecreation professionals should familiar with the skills needed for direct leadership & supervision, understanding & controlling group dynamics, assessing patients or clients, ability to carry out basic evaluation or research, write literate reportRecreation professionals must fully aware of the meaning of recreation & leisure in human society & history of this field

EMERGING PROFESSIONAL IDENTITYGained public recognition as a flourishing career fieldMillions of men & women become employed in various specialized sectors of leisure service with hundreds thousands holding professional level jobs as recreation leaders, supervisors, planners, managers & resource specialistsRequiring unique competencies & skills and higher level of status for those working in the fieldEfforts of national, state & provincial societies higher standards for practice were developed & the first steps of certification & accreditation were set in motion

INFLUENCE OF PROFESSIONAL SPECIALIZATIONSpecialists began to form their own professional societies in armed forces recreation, therapeutic, therapeutic recreation, campus recreation & employee servicesDeveloped specialized missions & operational strategies suited to their unique service areasJoining together in partnerships that share human, fiscal & other agency resources to achieve the goalMust meet high standards of specialized training, be affiliated with appropriate professional societies & understand public leisure needs & social challenges that face this field

CHALLENGES FACING THE LEISURE-SERVICE FIELDHow can the organized recreation movement contribute to public understanding of leisures role in daily life & to upgrading the level of the publics choices of leisure pursuits?What role can public, voluntary, therapeutic & other community based agencies play in helping to improve family life & to reduce crime, violence, abuse & other serious societal problems?How can recreation contribute to promoting positive intercultural understanding & relationships & to enriching the lives of persons with disabilities?How can the organized recreation movement play a meaningful role in a society that has increasingly become dominated by commercial interests conglomerates in the mass media of communication & entertainment that place dollar profits at a higher priority than important human values?

CHALLENGES FACING THE LEISURE-SERVICE FIELDHow can recreation, park & sport organizations help build communities that create a quality of life that positively affects all community members?In an era marked by striking economic prosperity, how can recreation & leisure service professionals develop programs designed to serve the less fortunate in society?Practitioners in park agencies that sponsor outdoor recreation services or manage extensive natural resources, what policies will serve important ecological needs in the years ahead?

DISCUSSIONIdentify and discuss at least three important social factors that have contributed to the growth of recreation & leisure concerns over the past several decades.What are the special meanings and values of recreation and leisure for different population groups in modern society based on socioeconomic, age, gender or ability/disability factors?Why should leisure service professionals be expected to have an understanding of the history, psychology & sociology of recreation & leisure?What do you regard as some of the most critical challenges facing recreation leisure service agencies and practitioners in the years that lie ahead? Justify your response.