The Synergy of the Social Justice and Inclusive Leisure Continuum

Abstract

We analyze discourses in two central areas influencing scholarship and service delivery associated with leisure: inclusion and social justice. Writings on social justice identify the importance of promoting social inclusion. Though we acknowledge differences between issues and challenges related to inclusion and social justice, we urge scholars and practitioners to consider and study jointly these two synergistic concepts associated with leisure. We draw on political-philosophical analyses of both phenomena to explore the intertwining continuum of inclusion and social justice and argue there is value in considering them simultaneously to offer opportunities to experience leisure. We hope to influence discourse on inclusion and social justice associated with leisure, questioning and revising meanings attached to these two important and related concepts. Given that a critical aspect of inclusion and social justice is having all individuals to be in the center of community life and to lead good lives, we provide recommendations for promoting the synergy between social justice related to leisure and inclusive leisure.