ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the classificatory change, from what was a separation of the two as leisure and work, respectively, to the point in the history of the serious leisure perspective (SLP). Serious leisure is the systematic pursuit of an amateur, hobbyist, or volunteer activity sufficiently substantial, interesting, and fulfilling for the participant to find a career there acquiring and expressing a combination of its special skills, knowledge, and experience. Serious leisure is further defined by six distinctive qualities that are uniformly found among its amateurs, hobbyists, and volunteers. Certain rewards and costs come with pursuing a hobbyist, amateur, or volunteer activity. Thrills are part of the reward system. Thrills, or high points, are the sharply exciting events and occasions that stand out in the minds of those who pursue a kind of serious leisure or devotee work. The intensity with which some participants approach their leisure suggests that they may at times be in psychological flow.
