An Integrative Review of Women, Gender, and Leisure: Increasing Complexities

Abstract

Research about women and leisure has grown consistently over the past 30 years. This paper extends four previous integrative reviews about research content regarding women's leisure. Research articles appearing from 2006–2010 in selected major English language research journals were analyzed through an integrative review to ascertain patterns and themes. Analyses indicate a continued use of qualitative approaches. New and recurring patterns in the content of the research emerged. Seven themes related to women, gender, and leisure: resistance and empowerment through leisure, feminist frameworks, international cultural descriptions, social support and friendships, family, physical and mental health, and social inclusion. Intersectionality is discussed as a promising paradigm for the future study of women, gender, and leisure.

KEYWORDS:

• Empowerment
• feminism
• intersectionality
• methods
• resistance