Introduction

This chapter argues for a rethinking of the connection between leisure and community. As a space that is open with possibilities for mutuality, belonging, and collective expression, leisure as a realm for the theorizing of community has never been more relevant. The chapter moves forward a conceptualization of leisure communities that is informed by the history of theorizing in leisure studies and community studies and situated in the current social, political, economic, and ideological moment. Taking up questions of what leisure communities are, mean, and do in the 21st century, the chapter prepares readers for meaningful scholarly engagement with the chapters in this edited collection.