ABSTRACT
Leisure is taken for granted in contemporary society. Some would argue that leisure has now supplanted work as the more meaningful social activity for most people living in the modern western world. In little over a century leisure has become a right; the length of the working week continues to decline; the provision of leisure facilities has become big business, with considerable numbers relying on the leisure industry for their employment; and recreational provision is addressed by government, often through designated ministers and departments. On the other hand, it could be said that little has changed since the nineteenth century. Our ability to participate in leisure activities is still dependent upon having sufficient disposable income; time for leisure is still restricted by commitments to work, the family and the community. Leisure is still a commodity with a price. Moreover, the activities we choose to undertake in our leisure time have hardly changed. Pubs still attract crowds on Saturday nights, dancing remains one of the favoured leisure pursuits of the young and sporting events continue to attract thousands of spectators. In Germany traditional fairs like the Kirmes, carnival and the shooting festivals continue to be celebrated by millions across the country, while around 40 per cent of the population of what used to be the Federal Republic belong to one or more voluntary associations.
