ABSTRACT
Classical views of leisure that have their roots in ancient Greece emphasize “a spiritual and mental attitude, a state of inward calm, contemplation, serenity, and openness”. The study of leisure as subjective or psychological experience, also known as the state of mind view which gained prominence within leisure studies in the 1980s, focuses on the human “experience that results from recreation engagements”. Feminist scholars have long been critical of the traditional views of leisure as free time or a set of activities that differ from work because these views are built on premises that do not always take into consideration the constraints on women’s leisure time and leisure activities. Feminist research and theorizing on leisure have led to an enhanced understanding of leisure, not as time or activities, but as a meaningful experience characterized by enjoyment. Peak experiences and “flow,” as discussed above, are important aspects of both subjective leisure experiences and tourist experiences.
