Work and Leisure: A Simplified Paradigm

Definitions of leisure have been both exclusive and inclusive. Although different definitions have been used by various students of leisure, the nature of the differences has not always been clear. Dualistic and monistic approaches to understanding life account for exclusive-inclusive differences. However, the two dimensions that appear most important to common definitions are those of work-relation and discretion. A paradigm is developed using these dimensions to construct a four-celled scheme. Nonwork activity may be (1) For-its-own-sake: not determined by the work relation and freely chosen; (2) Coordinated: dependent on the work relation in content but freely chosen; (3) Complementary: independent of work in content and form but determined by social roles or the need to compensate for work; and (4) Recuperation or preparation: required by the work relation and necessary rather than chosen. In four types of definitions leisure and nonwork are distinguished by which of these four cells is included in each. The paradigm is suggested as an inclusive theoretical simplification.