This is the latest book on leisure from one of the leading figures in the field of leisure studies. It makes a major contribution in considering leisure as a primary aspect of cultural life. Rojek treats modern culture as performative. That is, there are strong pressures on us to keep busy, even if we are busy doing nothing. Leisure is analysed as a status-placing activity. The implications of the post-work thesis for leisure, the role of inequality in leisure practice, are explored in interesting and novel ways. Perhaps the most notable feature of the book is the discussion of the abnormal forms of leisure and the attack on the medicalized model of society. This book will be required reading for anyone interested in leisure studies and cultural studies.

Autorentext

Chris Rojek is Professor of Sociology and Culture at the Theory, Culture, and Society Center, Nottingham Trent University.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements From Ritual to Performative Culture 'The Leisure Class' Today The Cultural Context of Leisure Practice The Abnormal Forms of Leisure Conclusion: Engaged Freedom Notes Bibliography Index