![]() | Feature: Sport and Leisure | No.50 May 2007 |
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Abstract
Leisure is a powerful force, influencing the quality of life and well-being
of communities and nations as a whole. Although there is no consensus
on how leisure is defined and it is influenced by cultural perspectives,
three main views have been identified in the literature. Leisure has
been defined as time, activity and/or as a state of mind. There are
multiple benefits that can be derived from varied and numerous types
of leisure experiences. Furthermore, the moral and philosophical underpinnings
supporting leisure are manifested in a number of United Nations declarations,
covenants and principles. These statements provide ample evidence supporting
leisure as a basic human right. The World Leisure Organization is a
major membership focused association dedicated to improving quality
of life through leisure. It’s varied and numerous programs are
reported on in this article. Introduction
Individuals, communities and nations throughout the world seek to improve
the quality of their lives and well-being. The dramatic economic and
technological changes experienced over the past century have resulted
in the reduction of human physical labor and the reorganisation of work.
Throughout the world, we see increases in discretionary time and income.
Such changes have provided opportunities for individuals to live a more
creative, fulfilling and meaningful life. Today, the individual expression
of ones identity is often drawn and amplified as a result of their leisure
experiences. It is not unusual for an individual to define their self-concept
as much through their leisure as their work. World-wide, people seek
greater open expression, choice and support for environmental sustainability.
Communities world-wide seek to improve their livability by enhancing
their social, cultural and environmental resources. Reflecting the trend
of the increased importance of living in safe, well ordered, healthy,
environmentally friendly and ascetically pleasing places which provide
opportunities for social contact, expressions of ones cultural identity
and the opportunity to enjoy leisure in its fullest manifestations,
communities seek to improve their livability through leisure. Many new
commercial developments and businesses are often attracted into communities
that have focused their development on themes built upon improving quality
of life. It is evident that there is a clear link between those communities
perceived as livable, and the perception that they are an excellent
place to locate a business.
Nations seek to promote greater well-being by providing policies that
encourage reasonable work conditions, as well as ensuring that leisure
amenities and resources are available. As national aspirations are increasingly
focused on improving well-being, happiness and life satisfaction and
economic welfare, leisure has an important role to play. The five-day
working week is virtually universal in developed countries as an element
of national policy. Tourism is one of the world’s leading industries
and nations seek to position themselves in ways which their societies
are economically advantaged through this type of development. A focus
on leisure and the provision of other similar amenities can serve to
enrich, enhance and nourish the lives of all on a nationwide basis.
Today, for many, leisure is one of life’s greatest gifts. It
is an important dimension, potentially influencing the quality of each
and every individual’s life (Edginton, DeGraaf, Dieser & Edginton
2006). Leisure is a powerful force, shaping the social and cultural
life of individuals world-wide. Leisure oriented environments provide
the opportunity for the enhancement of ascetic values and the promotion
of greater sustainability. This article is directed toward providing
additional information regarding ways of defining leisure and its benefits,
as well as providing a rationale for its moral and philosophical underpinnings
as a human right. In addition, the article provides an overview of the
work of the World Leisure Organization (WLO). Defining Leisure and Its Benefits
Leisure is difficult to define. Social, cultural, economic and even
political perspectives influence perceptions of individual and societal
concepts of leisure. Nonetheless, leisure has been conceptualized from
three generally accepted points of view. The first and chief way of
viewing leisure is to see it as time. We have work time, free time,
and the time that is used to sustain our life bodily functions. According
to Edginton, DeGraaf, Dieser and Edginton (2006 p 39), time “can
be divided into three segments – existence (work), subsistence
(addressing physical needs) and discretionary (free or unobligated)
time” (ibid). Further, Iso-Ahola (1999) has suggested that “in
every day usage of the language, people refer to all non working hours
as free time.”
Another way of viewing leisure is as a discrete set of activities within
which one spends time. Just what are leisure activities? The French
sociologist Dumazedier (1967) is credited with framing leisure from
this orientation. He proposed that leisure is activity that is separate
from work, family or society. Dumazedier suggests that leisure is simply
a type of activity a person participates in during their free time.
There are many leisure activities within which individuals participate
– social, physical (games, sports and athletic competitions),
literary, outdoor pursuits (land, air and water), hobbies, arts and
crafts, performing arts (music, dance and drama), wellness and fitness,
travel and tourism and volunteer activities. Such activities are often
pursued formally or informally by individuals in casual or serious formats
and/or on an individual basis and/or with others.
A third way of perceiving leisure is to view it as a state of mind.
From this perspective, leisure can be thought of as an experience that
reflects an individual’s values, feelings, perspectives and past
life experiences (ibid). The notion that leisure is a state of mind
suggests that is a highly personalised experience reflecting an individual’s
feelings, moods and/or states of being as they are engaged in an experience.
As mentioned above, leisure experiences may occur in casual social encounters
as we create meaning in our lives through interactions with ourselves,
others and/or the environment. As a result, all such encounters may
have the potential for leisure. Viewing leisure from this perspective
often focuses on defining the antecedents required as predecessors for
leisure. These include: freedom or perceived freedom, perceived competence
and intrinsic motivation. Viewing leisure from this perspective suggests
that a person must be free to choose or participate, feel competent
and must be motivated from within to experience leisure.
Leisure creates the opportunity for many benefits. A benefit can be
thought of in this context as anything that enhances the well-being
of an individual. Leisure benefits provide substantial advantages to
individuals including their social, cultural, physical, intellectual,
spiritual and emotional well-being. Leisure, in its varied and many
forms, creates multiple opportunities for individuals to improve their
lives, promoting greater happiness, joy and well-being in their lives.
For example, the relationship between leisure and physical activity
is a sought after end by many individuals in most societies. Individuals
seek to improve their fitness by enhancing their strength, speed, endurance
and agility through participation in physical activity during their
leisure. Such benefits lead to living life in a healthier fashion.
There are a number of classification systems that have been developed
to identify and define leisure benefits. Such systems have emphasised
the personal or individual nature of benefits, as well as those which
impact on communities as a whole. In the latter sense, for example,
leisure benefits can impact on a communities well-being by enhancing
employment opportunities as well as the general ambience and livability
of a given town, city or geographic area. Also, leisure benefits can
be viewed from various perspectives. There are social, economic, psychological,
physiological and others. For example, leisure can influence the psychological
well-being of individuals by enhancing opportunities for greater stimulation
and reflection, leading to the building of one’s self concept
and improving the opportunities for greater self actualisation. Leisure and the Promotion of Human Rights
Leisure is often thought of as being synonymous with freedom. Leisure
provides opportunities for individuals to freely or voluntarily engage
in life experiences that are satisfying and contribute to an individuals
well-being. Well-constructed leisure experiences can contribute to the
development of the individual to communities as well as societies as
a whole. Central in the quest for leisure is the affirmation of one’s
human right to engage in leisure in its many and varied forms. The ability
of individuals to have the opportunity to choose meaningful and relevant
leisure experiences in a responsible fashion is viewed as a fundamental
human right.
The World Leisure Organization draws its moral and
philosophical underpinnings from several declarations, covenants and statements
of principle by the United Nations (UN). Central in securing freedom,
justice and promoting the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights
of all members of the human family is The UN Declaration of Human Rights
(1948). This declaration provides a framework and standard for affirming
these important and precious human rights. In particular, Article 24 of
this document provides direct support and affirmation for the work of
the organisation. Article 24 of this document notes that “everyone
has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of
working hours and periodic holidays with pay” (1948). Further, Article
27 indicates that “everyone has the right freely to participate
in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share
in scientific advancement and its benefits” (1948).
A number of other UN covenants and conventions speak to the rights
of individuals to participate in meaningful leisure, play and recreation
activities. As an example, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
notes “the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in
play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child
and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts (1989, p 9).”
Also, the UN Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women Article 13 supports “the right to participate in
recreational activities sports and all aspects of cultural life”
in an equitable fashion among men and women (1979). The UN Principles
for Older Persons Clause 16 indicates that such individuals “should
have access to the educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational
resources of society (1999). The World Leisure Organization
The World Leisure Organization (WLO) was founded in 1952. Initially
known as the International Recreation Association (IRA), the organization
changed its name in 1973 to be known as World Leisure and Recreation
Association (WLRA). In April 2007, the WLO Board of Directors voted
to change the name of the organisation to its current title. This move
was affirmed by the general membership of the organisation. Over the
past 50 years, the work of the organisation has remained focused on
improving the quality of life of individuals world-wide by networking
concerned citizens, practicing professionals, educators, government
officials and other policy makers.
Today, WLO has positioned itself as “a world-wide, non-governmental
voluntary organization dedicated to discovering and fostering those
conditions which permit leisure to serve as a force to optimize collective
and individual wellbeing” (2005, p2). WLO works through its advocacy,
research and educational efforts to: 1) promote leisure as integral
to social, cultural and economic development; 2) support the rights
of all people to good quality leisure experiences; and 3) recognize
that many have special requirements related to disability, age, gender,
social status, poverty, domicile and education (ibid). By viewing leisure
in an inclusive fashion, the organisation embraces terms such as play,
recreation, the arts and culture, sport, festivals and celebrations,
health and fitness, and travel and tourism as a way of identifying its
focus areas.
WLO’s Constitution and By-laws references the
importance of 1) expanding and enlarging one’s ability to choose;
2) a greater desire for open expression; and 3) the affirmation and enrichment
of cultural identities (2005). WLO is committed to the belief that well-selected
leisure experiences can improve the quality of life for all... from childhood
to later life (ibid). WLO holds consultative status with the UN and affirms
the human rights statements as reflected in the aforementioned declarations,
covenants and conventions of that organisation including the UN Declaration
of Human Rights and its own Charter for Leisure (2000).
WLO’s strategic plan A World Fit for Living:
World Leisure Priorities for People 2004-2008 provides guidance for
the efforts of the organisation (2003). WLO believes that leisure is central
to assisting individuals, communities and nations in their pursuit of
social, cultural and economic development. As such, WLO promotes the following:
1) governments should provide policy and legislation, and support programs
designed to optimise leisure opportunities; 2) the community should be
informed of the benefits of participation; 3) children and adults should
acquire knowledge and skills to derive full benefits from leisure; 4)
public, commercial, and voluntary sectors should cooperate to optimise
outcomes; and 5) all sectors should work toward removing the barriers
or constraints to leisure involvement (ibid).
Four priority areas are identified in WLO’s strategic plan. These
are: 1) heightening the awareness of leisure benefits; 2) improving
policy and legislation; 3) strengthening leadership; and 4) expanding
international cooperation. The priority areas have been featured in
WLO’s organisational framework, emphasising forums, delivery of
programs, promotion of research and inquiry, and in establishing collaborative,
consultative partnerships with government agencies, national and international
non-government organisations, business and corporations committed to
promoting and developing the social, cultural and economic benefits
of leisure. For example, WLO has developed a number of affiliate relationships
with such compatible organisations as the World Tourism Organization
(WTO), International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education
(ICSSPE) and Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of French Speaking
Countries (CONFEJES) to mention a few.
A strategic planning initiative is under way for
the years 2009-2014. The current strategic planning framework calls for
a process of intentional goal setting to enable the organisation to examine
its current and potential future activities. A framework for the planning
effort has yielded a new set of priorities and strategies referenced in
the forthcoming document Leisure: Enhancing the Human Condition –
World Leisure’s Priorities and Strategies 2009 – 2014.
The overarching theme of this strategic planning effort will be to link
the work of the organisation with the UN’s Millennium Goals Project.
This effort is aimed at enhancing the human condition by “combating
poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination
against women
(2002, p 1). WLO provides a number of programs and services. Most
important are its Biennial World Leisure Congresses and World Leisure
Regional Conferences. The 2006 World Leisure Congress was held in Hangzhou,
The Peoples Republic of China; 2008 will be in Quebec City, Canada; and
2010 in Chuncheon City, Korea. WLO’s first EXPO was held in conjunction
with the events of the 2006 World Leisure Congress. WLO’s last regional
conference was held in Malmö, Sweden, and focused on the theme of
“Leisure and the Young Immigrant.” A number of forums and
summits have been held including World Leisure’s High-level Forum
featuring a keynote presentation by Madame Wu Yi, Vice Premier, State
Council of The Peoples Republic of China. A forthcoming World Leisure
Summit focusing on establishing policy in support of leisure as being
integral to social, cultural and economic development is also scheduled
for 2008. In 1998, the World Leisure Summit held in Sao Paulo, Brazil
produced an important policy statement known as the Declaration on
Leisure and Globalization.
Also, WLO maintains several educational and research
centers. The first of these was established in 1992 at the University
of Wageningen, The Netherlands and is known as the World Leisure Centre
of Excellence (WICE). The Asian Pacific Center for the Study of Leisure
(APCO) was established in 2004 at Zhejiang University in The Peoples Republic
of China. Both of these centers conduct educational, research and training
programs for professionals including a Master of Science Degree in Leisure,
Tourism and Environment at the University of Wageningen. The World
Leisure Journal serves as an outlet to disseminate both basic and
applied research with the notion that the advocacy role sought by the
organisation can be enhanced. The journal is published quarterly, peer
reviewed and includes special feature articles, book reviews and journal
abstracts. Still another important program of World Leisure is the operation
of its commissions and working groups. These bodies provide opportunities
for individual members to focus their interests in specialised areas such
as: access and inclusion, children and youth, education, management, leisure
in later life, law and policy, research, tourism and the environment,
volunteerism, women and gender, and health and wellness.
Summary
Leisure is an important social, cultural and economic force influencing
the social, cultural and economic well being of individuals, communities
and nations world-wide. Leisure has the power to transform individuals,
contributing to their quality of life and enhancing their well-being.
Leisure provides opportunities for individuals to engage in more free
and open expressions of behavior as well as to choose life experiences
that reflect their individual needs, desires, goals and aspirations.
The World Leisure Organization is committed to improving the quality
of life of individuals throughout the world. As a world wide, non-governmental
voluntary organisation, WLO works with citizens, practicing professionals,
educators, governmental officials and others to advance leisure concerns.
The organisation is dedicated to discovering and fostering those conditions,
which permit leisure to serve as a force to optimise individual well-being
(2005). Through its many and varied programs and services, the organisation
works to advance the cause of leisure by engaging in advocacy, research
and educational activities. Like many membership focused organisations,
WLO works to build collaborative and cooperative efforts with other
similar organisations to expand and accentuate its impact. References
Edginton, C. R., DeGraaf, D. G., Dieser, R. B.,
& Edginton, S. R. (2006). Leisure and life satisfaction foundation
perspectives (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Iso-Ahola, S. (1999). Motivational foundations
of leisure. In E. Jackson & T. Burton (Eds.), Leisure studies:
Prospects for the 21st century (pp. 35-51). State College, PA:
Venture
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights. (1989). Convention on the rights of the child.
Retrieved May 15, 2007, from the United Nations Department of Public
Information Web site: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/k2crc.htm.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights. (1948). Universal declaration of human rights.
Retrieved May 15, 2007, from the United Nations Department of Public
Information Web site: http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
United Nations Division for the Advancement of
Women Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (1979). Convention
on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Retrieved May 15, 2007, from http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/
United Nations Division for Social Policy and Development.
(1999). United Nations principles for older persons. Retrieved
May 15, 2007, from http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/iyop/iyoppop.htm#Principles
United Nations (2002) Implementing the Millennium
Declaration – Fact Sheet. New York: Retrieved May 15, 2007 from
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
World Leisure. (1998). São Paulo Declaration
– Leisure in a globalized society. Retrieved May 15, 2007,
from http://www.worldleisure.org/pdfs/saupaulo.pdf
World Leisure. (2000). Charter for leisure. Retrieved
May 15, 2007, from http://www.worldleisure.org/pdfs/charter.pdf
World Leisure. (2003). A world fit for living:
World leisure priorities for people 2004-2008. Retrieved May 15,
2007, from http://www.worldleisure.org/about/priorities_for_people/priorities.html
World Leisure. (2005). Constitution of the
world leisure and recreation association. World Leisure Secretariat.
Contact
Christopher R. Edginton, Ph.D.
Secretary General World Leisure Organization Cedar Falls, Iowa USA Email: edginton@worldleisure.org ![]() http://www.icsspe.org/portal/index.php?w=1&z=5 |