The Palgrave Handbook of Leisure Theory

This is the first handbook devoted entirely to leisure theory, charting the history and philosophy of leisure, theories in religion and culture, and rational theories of leisure in the Western philosophical tradition, as well as a range of socio-cultural theories from thinkers such as Adorno, Bauman, Weber and Marx. Drawing on contributions from experts in leisure studies from around the world, the four sections cover: traditional theories of leisure; rational theories of leisure; structural theories of leisure; and post-structural theories of leisure.

The Palgrave Handbook of Leisure Theory is essential reading for students and scholars working in leisure studies, social theory as well as those working on the problem of leisure in the wider humanities and social sciences.

Karl Spracklen is Professor of Leisure Studies at Leeds Beckett University, UK. He has published widely on the topic of leisure and is the Secretary of Research Committee 13 (Sociology of Leisure), International Sociological Association.

Brett D. Lashua is Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, UK. He is co-editor of Sounds and the City: Popular Music, Place and Globalization (Palgrave, 2014).

Erin Sharpe is Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University, Canada. Her teaching and research revolves most centrally around critically examining relationships between leisure, community, and development.

Spencer Swain is a PhD student in the Carnegie Faculty at Leeds Beckett University, UK and Lecturer in Sport Development at York St John’s University, UK. His research is centred on khat chewing in the Somali community, exploring the concepts of Dark Leisure, Liquid Modernity and Resistance.