What do we talk about when we talk about leisure? Conceptualising leisure through the lived experiences of vocational pupils

Abstract

ABSTRACT By adopting a unique approach that allowed participants to define leisure from their own perspective, this study employed semi-structured and photo-elicitation interviews to gain a deeper understanding of how young people from vocational education perceive and conceptualise leisure. The analysis revealed four crucial elements that are essential for experiencing leisure: (1) perceived freedom, where individuals have control over their time and activities; (2) enjoyment and pleasant experiences; (3) personal time for self-improvement or relaxation; and (4) social interactions with others. Notably, the notion of freedom emphasised young people’s perception of independence and lack of adult control over their leisure. The findings suggest a disparity between young people’s views on leisure and those of adults, who tend to have a future-oriented and instrumental perspective. This difference may be attributed to the lifeworlds in which young people find themselves, with limited opportunities for future-oriented leisure. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering young people’s living conditions and backgrounds when designing policies to promote equal opportunities for leisure. Future research should explore the interrelationships between the identified leisure components and further investigate the concept of freedom in different contexts.