Sociology and Applied Leisure Research

Abstract

Abstract Hendee, John C., “Sociology and Applied Leisure Research,” ANNALS OF TOURISM RESEARCH, Volume II, No. 3, January/February, 1975, pp. 155–162 — The importance of leisure activity as a social problem is growing and sociological research is challenged to contribute more to leisure problem areas with public or industrial policy implications. Leisure researchers must adapt their product to the current goal-oriented, cost-effective, budgeting criteria to compete for public money. Thus, the future of leisure research may depend partly on riding the coattails of applied work which is more easily funded. Studies linking leisure activity to broader society and the mainstream of sociological research are encouraged and, for example, might focus on: identifying the social meaning of recreating, improved techniques for predicting future use of leisure time and demand for leisure facilities, patterns and benefits of leisure activity. Joint ventures combining sociology and professional schools with policy and applied interests could help alleviate the sociologist's often neglected task of developing policy implication. In short, an appeal is made for relevant leisure research so that growth in the field may be supported by the utility of results.