A hierarchical model of leisure constraints

The purpose of this article is to modify a conceptualization of leisure constraints offered by Crawford and Godbey (1987). It is suggested that Crawford and Godbey's three discrete models of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural constraints should be recast as a single integrated model in which leisure participants are viewed as having negotiated a sequential, hierarchical series of constraints levels. Three propositions about the nature, operation, and sources of constraints are derived from this model. We further demonstrate how such a process might apply not only to leisure participation and nonparticipation, but also to the understanding of how constraints affect choices (e.g., specialization) among people who are already participating.