ABSTRACT
In critical political theory, society is seen to be divided among segments with conflicting interests rather than operating as a functional whole. Political theory based on a conflict metaphor has a number of dimensions that are found in almost all versions. Analysis of systems that have democratic political structures and relative openness in their social institutions is both difficult and subtle. Any political system in which a self-established elite controls the institutions of a society with the primary aim of perpetuating the system cannot provide a full social context for existential action. Leisure has economic value as reward and welfare. Leisure may become alienated when defined as a commodity-intensive participation in marketed provisions and resources. Alienation, the loss of self-creation, is fostered by mass media, fashion, and market-induced commodity fetishism. Theft of freedom is a central issue for leisure when it is defined with an essential dimension of self-determination.
