Leisure Studies in the 21st Century: The Sky is Falling?

Abstract

Leisure studies as a discipline is perceived to be in crisis. This perception is not new and is not necessarily negative, as all disciplines go through periods of crises. This crisis is identified as both intellectual and institutional. This essay provides an historical context for identifying the current intellectual issues and the description of two primary concerns facing the field today: the collective identity and the connection between leisure and society. Four approaches for addressing the perceived crisis are offered: embrace change, articulate the collective identity, celebrate the contributions of leisure studies, and identify current and future collaborators.

Keywords:

• social change
• collaboration
• collective identity
• crisis
• leisure behavior
• leisure research

A version of this research reflection essay was presented at the 2010 Australia New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies Conference in Brisbane, Australia.