Post-Positivism and the Pragmatics of Leisure Research

Abstract

The two primary paradigms traditionally discussed in leisure research are interpretivism and positivism. This essay argues for a further discussion and acknowledgement of post-positivism as it can be applied in leisure studies. A description of post-positivism is offered along with a rationale for its use in past as well as future studies. Examples are offered regarding how a post-positivist paradigm can be pragmatic in further examining the complex meanings of leisure.

Keywords:

• meanings
• paradigms
• qualitative
• quantitative