Book Review
Leisure and Feminist Theory
Betsy M Wearing
ISBN: 978-0-8039753-7-8 1998 xvi+207 pages Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, California
Cathy Lysack
Wayne State University, Detroit MI, United States of America
Leisure and Feminist Theory is a critical introduction to the leading positions in leisure theory. According to the author, the book goes beyond previous leisure texts by providing a feminist critique of the variety of leisure theories based in masculine ways of viewing the world, and goes beyond previous feminist analysis by giving an overview of the diversity of feminist theoretical perspectives. This is an ambitious goal, but it is achieved by Betsy Wearing in this well-written analysis of leisure in contemporary times.
Leisure and Feminist Theory is structured with an introductory and concluding chapter, and nine chapters which address the major theoretical perspectives that have been applied to the study of leisure. Each chapter begins with an outline of the basic concepts of that particular theoretical approach, is followed by a review of the central leisure theorists who have drawn on those concepts, and concludes with an examination of feminist theory for its application and insight. Chapter 1 examines functionalist theories and the work of Durkheim and Parsons, where leisure is seen as "free-time" and a beneficial counterpoint to work life. Wearing reviews time-budget series research and recreation studies here as well, the two most significant research trends to emerge from the functionalist perspective on leisure. Chapter 2 focuses on Marxist and Neo-Marxist approaches. Here, conflict theory is examined in an attempt to understand leisure within a context of structural constraints of power present in capitalist society and argues that leisure serves the interests of capital by creating new consumer needs. Symbolic interactionism is the focus of Chapter 3.A considerable portion of this chapter is given over to the ideas of George Herbert Mead and the theme of leisure as a personal meaning-making process. In this chapter and throughout the book, Wearing is careful to distinguish between Australian, North American, and British/ European traditions and provides a wide range of examples of leisure research from these contexts. The vast terrain called cultural studies is the focus of Wearing's critical gaze in Chapter 4. This was one of the most thought-provoking chapters in the book. Informed by the Gramsci's notion of hegemony, Wearing reviews a series of contemporary youth cultural phenomenon including beach culture, pub life, rave dancing, and shopping malls. There is limited academic research in some of these areas but Wearing brings us up to date. Wearing also discusses "alternative" female leisure activities such as women's surfing and women's bodybuilding. Together with her analysis of the power of media to control the image of women and media icons such as Madonna, the reader is left intrigued with the potential for media to empower women and provide resources for "the exploration of trial identities." Chapter 5 addresses the issue of masculinity, sports, and leisure, and Chapters 6 and 7 apply recent sociological theorising concerning the body and emotions and the modern city on leisure. In all three chapters, Wearing is propelled by the ideas of Foucault and Gilligan, using the concepts of discourse, power, subjectivity, class and gender oppression, and commodification of leisure in her analysis. Adventure and extreme sports are also analysed with the suggestion that "alienating, bureaucratized society" has bred a unprecedented need for personal challenge and self-mastery through risktaking activity-even to "the extreme of life, sanity, consciousness, or order" (p.116). In Chapter 8, the author takes on postmodernism and examines its impact on the evolution in the meaning of leisure. Defining leisure as "space physical or metaphorical over which one has control to fill whatever persons, objects, activities, or thoughts that one chooses" (p. 149), Wearing offers a plethora of possibilities whereby women can explore their own desires and pleasures and develop "a new self." Chapter 9 extends the concept of leisure as personal and social space to "other" women whose leisure experiences do not conform to the theoretical analyses devised by white, educated, middle-class feminists. The concluding chapter weaves together all of the ideas presented in earlier chapters and makes suggestions for leisure research, leisure policy, and professional practice.
Leisure and Feminist Theory is a particularly comprehensive overview of leisure theory offered by a seasoned feminist author. This text is accessible to students at the master's level with some background in sociological theory. Students in women's studies and leisure and recreation studies are an obvious audience for this book. In addition, Leisure and Feminist Theory may be of interest to readers in other fields such as health promotion and urban planning, where greater awareness of the diversity of the leisure experience could enhance the design of leisure spaces and opportunities. As an occupational therapy researcher and educator concerned with the power of "meaningful occupations" to affect health, I found Wearing's book a nuanced reminder of the complexity of leisure. Wearing argues that our thinking about what counts as leisure and what role leisure plays in our public as well as personal lives is contentious, has undergone many historical shifts, and continues to evolve in dynamic and sometimes unexpected directions. Wearing is correct, I think. And she is well worth the read.
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