Globalised and culturally homogenised? How Generation Z in Poland spends their free time

ABSTRACT

Globalisation and cultural homogenisation are still vital processes that drive the unification of leisure behaviour around the world, especially among the youngest generation. This is particularly important for post-socialist countries because until 1989, there was no access to Western ways of spending free time. Polish Generation Z is the first generation born and raised entirely in a free country. Therefore, the question arises whether the 30 years that have passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall have been sufficient to unify Generation Z’s leisure time behaviour under globalisation’s influence. The study aimed to determine the leisure behaviour of Generation Z in Poland in the context of cultural homogenisation. The analysis includes 1153 surveys with representatives of Generation Z from Polish cities. The study showed that the structure of Polish Generation Z’s leisure activities is dominated by multimedia entertainment: using the Internet, listening to music, watching YouTube or VOD (Video On Demand) platforms. Globalisation processes leading to progressive cultural homogenisation contribute to the spread of similar forms of spending free time originating in the so-called Western culture, which is also visible in Poland. Practical implications are presented for policymakers responsible for creating directions for youth leisure activities in cities.

KEYWORDS:

• Leisure
• Generation Z
• Poland
• globalisation
• cultural homogenisation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leszek S. Dąbrowski

Leszek S. Dąbrowski is a PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Social Sciences and a member of the University Centre of Excellence IMSErt (Interacting Minds, Societies, Environments) at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland.

Stefania Środa-Murawska

Stefania Środa-Murawska is an assistant professor in the Department of Urban Studies and Regional Development and a member of the University Centre of Excellence IMSErt (Interacting Minds, Societies, Environments) at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland.