Social Studies Elective, Home Economics

Leisure

Syllabus:

6.4 Leisure

1. Defining leisure and determining its function and value in today’s society

2. Influences on leisure patterns, to include:

a)social and

b)cultural influences,

c)occupation,

d)age,

e)gender

3. The role of individual and family leisure activities in physical, social and emotional development

4. Evaluation of the leisure facilities available in the community, to include a cost and value comparison of two facilities(Higher Level Only)

1.Defining Leisure

Leisure can be defined as

Time that is free from work and study.

Time available for ease and relaxation.

Being involved in activities that are viewed as enjoyable.

Function and Value of Leisure in Today’s Society:

Leisure time…

Contributes to the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of a person.

Provides relaxation and relieves stress from everyday life.

Helps develop new skills.

Encourages physical well being.

Furthers social interaction (benefits individual and community).

2. Influences on Leisure Patterns, to Include:

a)Social

  1. The leisure activities of a person may depend on if they are from a high,

middle or lower socio-economic status.

  1. The local amenities in the area influence the different leisure activities.
  2. Income/money available will influence the different leisure activities because some activities require money or membership fees e.g. golf clubs.
  3. Trends change quickly. Dancing has become very popular because of shows like Dancing with the Stars and Dancing on Ice.

b)Cultural Influences

A person’s culture can influence their choice of leisure activities

  1. Certain sports are linked with certain countries e.g. Hurling in Ireland, Basketball in USA.
  2. Music and dance are also influenced by the culture of the area e.g. Irish Dancing in Ireland, Salsa dancing in Latin America.
  3. The culture in the family influences the leisure activities. If family members play musical instruments then more likely to play musical instruments.

c)Occupation

  1. How much a person earns may affect the choice of leisure activities, as some are expensive and outside the reach of low-paid workers.
  2. The number of hours an individual works, shift work, overtime are all factors that influence the time available for leisure patterns.
  3. Sometimes leisure is part of or an extension of work. People may need to bring clients out to dinner or golfing as a way of networking and meeting possible new clients.
  4. Many people choose leisure activities that are completely different to their jobs e.g. a person who spends must of their day sitting down may choose to a leisure activity that involves a lot of energy.

d)Age

  1. Age is a factor which can influence leisure patterns because as people get older, their energy levels decrease.
  2. Age may also influence the amount of money a person has and the amount of money that can be spent on leisure. Young, single people would not have the same expenses as a family with a mortgage.
  3. Young people have time for leisure activities while people with young children and mortgages do not have as much time to spend on leisure activities.
  4. Interests can vary depending on age e.g. a young girl may enjoy dancing but as she gets older may prefer going to the gym.

e)Gender

This means if a person is a male or a female.

  1. While both genders play most sports, some sports are still mainly played by men or women e.g. men play rugby, women go to dancing lessons.
  2. Certain crafts are also linked to certain genders e.g. sewing/embroidery linked to women while car maintenance linked to men.
  3. The amount of time available to engage in leisure activities is often influenced by gender. Career women often have less leisure time than their partners.

4.The Role of Individual and Family Leisure Activities in Physical, Social and Emotional Development

Leisure can help a person’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional developments

Physical Development / Social Development / Intellectual Development / Emotional Development
  • Physical fitness.
  • Muscle toning.
  • Weight control.
  • Good health and well-being.
/
  • Meeting new people in clubs.
  • Communication skills e.g. team sports.
  • Listening skills e.g. drama.
/
  • Powers of concentration are developed e.g. card games.
  • Decision-making skills are developed e.g. quizzes.
  • Analysis of situations e.g. card games and debating.
/
  • Confidence and self-esteem is boosted.
  • Inner-space activities allow people to time to relax e.g. yoga.
  • A sense of belonging by becoming part of a team.

5.Evaluation of the Leisure Facilities Available in the Community, to Include a Cost and Value Comparison of Two Facilities– Higher Level Only

Types of Facility / Leisure Centre / Book Club
Membership Fees / €500 + per month / Cost of the Book to be Read
Physical Benefits / -Improves fitness
-Strengthens muscles
-Leads to a healthy heart / -Limited physical benefits as reader is sitting down or lying down
Emotional Benefits / -Relaxes and leads to stress relief
-Enables people to switch off from work
-Provides a sense of achievement / -Relaxes and leads to stress relief
-Allows people to switch off from work
-Provides a sense of achievement
Intellectual Benefits / -Learning how to operate physical machines
-Development of hand-eye co-ordination / -Powers of concentration
-Analysis of situations
-Forming opinions and ideas
Social Benefits / -Opportunity to meet friends
-Opportunity to meet new people
-Sets up social contacts for future leisure opportunities / -Opportunity to meet friends
-Opportunity to meet new people
Value for Money / -Many activities under one roof
-Provides for physical, mental and social needs
-Should be used regularly to be financially viable / -Good value for money as books, once read, can be resold if desired
Time Required / -Varies depending on chosen activity; one hour or more for workout / -Varies depending on the type and length of the book
Value to the community / -Increases employment in the community
-Only suitable for those who can afford it / -Generates social interaction in rural areas
-Suitable for the majority of people in the community

1