Leisure's Anthropology and the Anthropology of Leisure: The Coverage of Anthropology in Leisure Texts and Leisure in Anthropology Texts

Abstract

Introductory textbooks often provide students with much of the information about a subject that they will ever encounter during their educational careers or form part of the foundation of their future studies. Hence, the authors of textbooks are obliged to present information that is both accurate and comprehensive. The purpose of this study is to examine samples of introductory texts in leisure studies and in anthropology in order to evaluate the presentation of anthropological issues in the former and leisure in the latter. The evaluations indicate that leisure studies texts contain numerous errors of fact and interpretation while anthropology texts virtually ignore leisure. Suggestions for how leisure educators may deal with textbook problems are offered.

Keywords:

• introductory textbooks
• anthropology
• leisure

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Garry Chick

Biographical Information

Garry Chick is an Associate Professor in the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Recreation Management, Pennsylvania State University, 201 Mateer Building, University Park, PA 16802–1307.