Leisure Spaces Research Articles

Primary teachers’ self-assessment of their confidence in implementing digital technologies curriculum

Technology has significantly impacted our work and leisure spaces, but education is still working to build a bridge between the technological knowledge and skills required for living now and preparing students for their future. Although a reduction in the cost of technology has led to increased access and connectivity within schools, where teachers now have a plethora of tools and resources available for them to use in teaching and learning, little has changed in classrooms. Teachers are attempting to provide effective instruction with and about digital technologies often with limited knowledge and skills themselves. This study investigated Australian primary teachers’ self-assessment of their digital technology proficiency. Through an online survey and interviews teachers were asked about their access to professional development and their knowledge and skills related to the digital technologies curriculum. This paper provides an analysis of their self-assessment. Barriers and enablers are identified along with practice implications to be considered.

ESPACIALIDADE AMBIVALENTE:A CONSTITUIÇÃO DA MEMÓRIA COLETIVA NA ESTAÇÃO FERROVIÁRIA DE TARABAI -SP

Urban centers play an important role in the process of building and perpetuating collective social memory, becoming responsible for giving identity to certain groups while absorbing signs for individuals and perpetuating themselves as “places of memory”, characteristics that are not enough to inhibit deterioration of time and abandonment. In scenarios similar to these, urban collectives propose to discuss the importance of memory in the construction and activation of historic public spaces, reflections adapted to the old Estação Ferroviária de Tarabai (1954), a fundamental space for the development of the municipality, which after its deactivation was abandoned (1984), even with the implementation of interventions by the government in order to transform it into a leisure space (1992). In this way, the work proposed to observe and understand the dynamics of use, of appropriations carried out locally, emphasizing the importance of collective memory for its activation. For that, direct observations made at the Railway Station were necessary in order to record their spatial practices, with the interpretation of such data through “mind maps”. The observations made on site were complemented with bibliographic and documentary surveys with the purpose of providing theoretical support for surveys carried out on the spot, pondering the importance of collective memory.

“Only so that my daughter gets exposure to the culture”: Ethnic leisure practices and intangible cultural heritage in British Indian diasporic families

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) as a concept has received considerable scholarly attention in recent years. However, empirical understanding of how ICH migrates, and is transmitted within diasporic communities is sparse. This paper draws upon a qualitative study with middle-class British Indian families living in and around London to unpack the ways in which ICH is enacted, interpreted, and transmitted from across generation through the construction of diasporic leisure spaces. Based on interviews with parents and children and observation of festival sites, it is argued that the leisure–ICH nexus in the diaspora materializes through two interlinked processes: “transmission of ethnic cultural capital” and “place-making.” These processes draw upon and contribute to diasporic social networks. In exploring these intersections, the paper further draws attention to how the internal differentiations within diasporic communities inflect the (re)production of diasporic leisure and ICH in the context of contemporary urban multi-culture in London.

Socioenvironmental factors and behaviors associated with negative self-rated health in Brazil.

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors associated with negative self-rated health in Brazil. The sample consisted of 5,259 adults from five representative capitals of the five regions of Brazil. Data collection was achieved in the following municipalities: Palmas (North Region), João Pessoa (Northeast Region), Goiânia (Central-West Region), Vitória (Southeast Region) and Florianópolis (South Region). For the analysis of the data, Binary Logistic Regression for determine the factors associated with negative self-rated health was used. Negative self-rated health was identified in 31.43% of Brazilians. The factors that were significantly associated were bad air quality, does not have public spaces for leisure, older age group, insufficient salary to cover expenses, a rare practice of physical exercises, does not perform healthy eating, active commuting for study or employment and commuting time for above 30 minutes, dissatisfaction with health services and still, not working, not looking for a job and finally, reside in some Brazilian regions. The study presents the importance of socioenvironmental and behavioral factors for the self-rated health of Brazilian adults, as well as it shows high rates of negative self-rated health compared to other studies.

The Experience Of Public Space And Its Unfolding In Times Of Social Distance

This paper presents the current scenario in which the relationship between Cariocas and free public leisure spaces of the city of Rio de Janeiro is found: a supposed reduction in the population’s interest in public spaces, encouraged by the technological advances of the last decades, suffers a fulminating blow with the emergence of the new coronavirus and the adoption of social isolation as a protective measure. Social (and political) activities become exclusively virtual, while the streets turn out empty. The individualizing process that was already sneakily manifesting itself is now imposing itself. Does the impossibility of being physically in the city’s spaces cause an increase in the desire to experience these places? Trying to understand the momentary situation better, we applied a questionnaire as a method of collecting information. This questionnaire was designed, tested and applied, and its results are presented in detail to point out possible intercessions between society, the city and the practice of social distancing. The objective of the present work, to understand the relationship between Cariocas and the city’s PLSLs, led us not only to confirm that this relationship exists, but also to the understanding that it is so necessary for the quality of life of society that it ‘survives’ in the face of the numerous problems pointed out.

The importance of self-management in the leisure activities of young people

ABSTRACT This report addresses the proposition that young people's self-management of peer group leisure activities results in higher levels of satisfaction with them and makes them more meaningful and impactful. This study collected information in a self-administered questionnaire about the type of leisure spaces and management strategies used by young people aged 16–18 years old and addressed issues related to school time and free time. The sample under study was comprised of students in public, subsizised, and private schools in Northern Spain. The primary purposes of this study were thus to determine where, in which activities, organizational responsibility was taken and whether doing so contributed to the meaning and value of the experience. Analysis of variance and correlational analysis of survey results established that assuming responsibility for the organization of an activity is associated with greater enjoyment and activity satisfaction among young people, as well as making the activity more important in their lives. The greatest implication for the provision of activities at this period of adolescence and youth is that participants be afforded the opportunity for self-management.

Leisure Spaces Shared by Grandparents and Grandchildren in Northern Spain

Spaces are the backbone of intergenerational leisure interests and experiences. The objective of this research was to examine the spaces used in the practice of leisure shared by grandparents and grandchildren and their link with the geographical area of residence. A cross-sectional telematic survey was carried out in which 357 grandparents with grandchildren between 6 and 12 years of age living in the northern part of Spain participated, and a descriptive study and inferential analysis of the data were carried out. The results revealed that a descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. The preferred space for intergenerational leisure was the home, especially for cultural activities such as board games, watching television, and reading. Associations, municipal spaces (sports centers, cultural centers, playrooms), and educational centers are more frequently used in the inland populations. Residing in urban towns and coastal municipalities implies a greater preference for the use of private leisure spaces. Living in provinces with a wetter, rainy climate is related to more shared leisure practice at home. The possible exceptionality of the current situation, within the framework of COVID-19, which may have led to significant alterations in the grandparent–grandchildren relationship, is discussed, with the consequent need to continue this line of inquiry.

Municipal modernity: the politics of leisure and Johannesburg's swimming baths, 1920s to 1930s

AbstractIn the 1920s and 1930s, the all-powerful Johannesburg Council, comprising English-speaking middle-class white males, realized the importance of providing leisure spaces and sport facilities for its white residents and prioritized the building of swimming baths in their suburbs. It was regarded as the ideal facility, supporting the growing demand for outdoor activity. The upswing in the economy in the 1920s and especially in the 1930s, expedited this endeavour, as it eased the financial expenditure. As a result, Johannesburg could boast 10 new swimming baths by the end of the 1930s. The council was adamant that the swimming baths should be on a par with international standards. This venture fitted comfortably into the larger project of transforming the economically vibrant Johannesburg into a modern city. In contrast, the first swimming bath for Johannesburg's black residents was only built in the mid-1930s, proving that racial considerations determined the council's provision of leisure facilities.

The whiteness of ‘safe’ spaces: Developing a conceptual framework to critically examine the well-being of racialized 2SLGBTQ+ people within 2SLGBTQ+ leisure spaces

2SLGBTQ+ leisure spaces (e.g., 2SLGBTQ+ community centres and recreation groups) offer opportunities to form identities and augment 2SLGBTQ+ people’s overall well-being. These spaces are considered ‘safe’ for 2SLGBTQ+ people to escape heterosexism, while being able to openly express themselves and develop community. However, these might be sites of discrimination for 2SLGBTQ+ people with other minoritized identities (e.g., racialized people), given the whiteness of these spaces. Racialized 2SLGBTQ+ individuals’ experiences of discrimination, generally and within 2SLGBTQ+ leisure spaces, can threaten their well-being, thus highlighting the value of 2SLGBTQ+ spaces, but how do racialized 2SLGBTQ+ people negotiate these often-problematic spaces? This paper presents a conceptual framework that bridges theories and research across social work and leisure studies. The conceptual framework extends the minority stress theory with theories of intersectionality, whiteness, and resilience using a socioecological lens to interrogate experiences and outcomes along multiple dimensions of social identities created by racism and other oppressive systems (e.g., sexism, cisgenderism, classism, ableism) within queer leisure spaces. This paper also describes how the framework can be implemented as an analytic tool and can facilitate investigations of systems of oppression and resilience within queer leisure spaces from the perspective of racialized 2SLGBTQ+ people through critical examination of power relations, relationality, complexity, social justice, and whiteness. Understanding how discrimination occurs and the multi-level resilience-promoting factors that exist in 2SLGBTQ+ leisure spaces will provide an avenue to address the effects of discrimination and foster racialized 2SLGBTQ+ people’s social well-being and inclusion.

Work and Play During Covid-19

The global pandemic and resultant lockdowns are challenging our traditional assumptions about the times and spaces of labour and leisure - but how were these norms established and why have they had such an enduring appeal? In this paper, we take a long view to investigate the philosophical and historical roots of the binary distinction between work and play and outline ways in which these long-held ideas are being increasingly challenged. As lockdown measures are relaxed, we urgently need to develop more nuanced conceptions of the spatial and temporal conditions of work and leisure to ensure a more equitable and compassionate post-lockdown world.

‘Roleplaying as two straight bros going to a game’: LGBTQ2S+ spectators’ experiences at NHL arenas

ABSTRACT While significant attention has been paid to the experiences of queer athletes and sport participants, comparatively little work has explored queer sport fans’ leisure experiences in sport stadiums. Focusing on professional men’s hockey fandom, this empirical study asks: what are the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+) spectators at National Hockey League games in Canada? Interviews with 24 diversely identified queer spectators reveal significant variation in experiences, from positive to neutral to negative, and a welcome lack of virulent or aggressive homophobia and transphobia. Most queer spectators perceive the arena space as heteronormative, which often results in feelings of non-belonging. Using de Certeau’s theorisation of tactics, this paper explores how queer spectators modify their behaviour – including minimising and maximising queer visibility – to smoothly navigate the heteronormative arena space. This paper contributes to understandings of homophobia and queer belonging in leisure spaces.

Mirando al futuro: ¿qué esperan para su bienestar los próximos residentes de cirugía?

IntroductionThis study explored the perceptions of the surgical applicants with respect to their future well-being as residents, considering the limited information. MethodsIt was conducted a documentary analysis of free essays performed by general practitioners who applied to a private surgical program in Colombia during 2018 and 2019. ResultsA total of 118 essays were analysed (46.61% were written by women). The average age of the participants was 27.2 ± 1.1 years old. Seven main themes were identified: 1) duty hours; 2) respect at the workplace; 3) infrastructure, organization and facilities in the training program; 4) teamwork and peer collaboration; 5) good teachers; 6) university and family support; and 7) detachment at work and spaces for leisure. ConclusionsExpectations about well-being in surgery involve individual and programmatic aspects that require profound transformations in surgical education in the coming years.

Exploring adolescent computer gaming as leisure experience and consumption: some insights on deviance and resistance

ABSTRACT The popular media and some aspects of social science research view computer gaming either in disruptive pathological terms or through one-dimensional notions, such as violence inducing or as simple escapism. These singular perspectives create gaps in the research and skew our understanding of computer games as a social phenomenon. To address this, we examine computer gaming as a leisure experience in the context of contemporary western consumer culture. The paper presents a conceptual investigation which critically analyses selected themes on gaming, designed to offer an interpretation of the adolescent gaming experience and its links with self–identity. Outcomes indicate that gaming has the potential to create resistance to commodifying processes and adult modes of the self but can be convalesced by the market to attract the purchase of and engagement with games. Adolescent self-identities, analysed through the lens of leisure experience in consumer culture and within the ambivalent experiential consciousness and leisure spaces of everyday life, may provide alternative perspectives on gaming. In this view, gaming can create experiences that lead to the formation of self-identity through social interactions and relations that have the potential to build social and cultural capacities for adolescents while also enabling resistance to social norms.

“It’s a whole new way of doing things”: the digital divide and leisure as resistance in a time of physical distance

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on the well-being and social connectedness of older adults. In an era of physical distancing, older adults’ connections are changing. While digital leisure spaces are often described to enhance social connections, little is written about older adults and digital connectedness in a time of physical distancing. We completed 20 in-depth interviews with older Canadians (average age 77) during the initial wave (Spring 2020). This paper draws on critical tenets of Age Studies, leisure as resistance, and an understanding of the digital divide to reflect on interviews with older adults about their technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. We reflect on technology use as resistance to ageist stereotypes, discuss facilitators of technology use as lived privilege that deepen the digital divide during COVID-19 for some, and identify opportunities for supporting older adults not presently using technology for social connection.

Kasi Football: an Ethnography of South African Rural Working-Class Football Traditions

Kasi football is the most popular form of informal urban football that emerged in the low-income black working-class neighbourhoods of South Africa. This football tradition took shape in the early 20th century in the context of forced labour migration in the industrializing South Africa. Autonomously organised, free-flowing, football games played for a sum of money or other stakes not only served as a way to cope with pressures of rapid urbanisation and displacement, but also as a way to reclaim ownership over their leisure space and time. In this paper, I examine how these urban football traditions are reimagined and performed among the rural working-class in contemporary South Africa. This ethnography of kasi football, games played almost every weekend, exposes the cultural robustness, adaptability to the conditions of disenfranchisement, as well as rawness of extreme inequality, which sustain these practices.

Reconnecting the space of tourism and citizenship: the case of tourists’ hubris

Purpose The rapid growth of tourism prior to the COVID-19 pandemic prompts the need for critical reflection of tourism’s “local-global” responsibility in the wake of that pandemic. Conceptually driven by the ancient Greek notion of hubris, this study reflects on the perception of tourists as actors disconnected from citizens’ necessities, safety and well-being. In so doing we develop further knowledge on the relationship between the spaces of tourism and citizenship and how this might build a sustainable future-proof tourism. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected daily for two weeks via three Google Alert queries set to mine Italian online news media contents immediately after the Italian Government’s adoption of mobility restrictions due to COVID-19. This study uses a thematic narrative analysis to examine the contents related to tourists during the COVID-19 outbreak. Findings The exploratory findings reveal how tourists are largely presented as taking over the space of local residents and, by breaking the rules set by national and local authorities, as disregarding those residents’ safety and well-being. Hence, they appear disconnected from any sense of belonging to a local or global community, and from a space to which they owe a duty of care. Originality/value By framing tourists as hubristic subjects ontologically belonging to a neoliberal leisure space disentangled from the citizenship space, this study establishes a novel theoretical grounding from which a sustainable future-proof tourism that is rooted in citizenship space can be rethought.

Dancing the Butterfly: Trans-Caribbean Cultural Consumption in Special Period Cuba

This paper takes as its starting point memories of an encounter which saw a Jamaican dancehall queen perform on a locally produced television show in Santiago de Cuba at the height of the Special Period economic crisis. I propose that this encounter was a harbinger of subsequent experiences of popular culture consumption in contemporary Cuba, while also drawing from histories of regional connection that placed Santiago de Cuba in a constellation of trans-Caribbean exchanges. The moment shows how, during the Special Period crisis, media producers sought new paths through which to navigate the technological challenges of making television amidst material shortages, and in doing so created new imaginaries of a transnational consumer culture which featured (specific and appropriate) newly built spaces of leisure and distinctive brands of consumption. The television broadcast was a consciously crafted mediation of emerging consumer cultures that at once repudiated and represented the everyday experience of Cuban society as rooted in crisis, scarcity, and socialist taste hierarchies.

Review: Detached America: Building Houses in Postwar Suburbia

Review: <i>Detached America: Building Houses in Postwar Suburbia</i>

Confined Students: A Visual-Emotional Analysis of Study and Rest Spaces in the Homes.

Confinement was adopted globally as a containment measure to face the COVID pandemic declared by WHO on March 2020. In Spain, the State of Alarm was established for three months. This implied the interruption of educational activities, having a higher incidence for children, since teaching would not be resumed until the following academic year, in September. This, together with the confusing initial information about COVID-19 transmission between children and their families, has made them one of the groups most vulnerable. In this study, a qualitative approach is made to secondary school students (aged 12). They were asked to share their experiences about confinement from the perspective of the home spaces, in relation to two main tasks relevant in this period: the tele-study and their relaxing time and well-being. Using images and narratives with an abstract and emotional description, the response of 46 children was obtained. A sentiment analysis was carried out from their testimonies. Results suggest a greater availability of tele-study spaces with daylighting, mainly in bedrooms, with laptops. For leisure and rest spaces, sofas, beds, and cohabitant gathering were preferred. Written testimonials were mainly positive. Housing features and family cohesion condition their resilience in situations of uncertainty, like confinement.

Виртуальный игровой мир: демократия, авторитаризм и революции

In the era of postmodernism, virtual games are no longer fun for young people. Modern games create universes and their members are also people of the middle generation who have a job, family, and children. If for young people the virtual gaming world is a space of momentary entertainment, then what are mature people guided by? The purpose of the article is to study the features of human interaction in the virtual game world. One of the world's most popular action-strategy games, Dawn of Titans, was chosen as the field for exploration. The game was chosen based on the fact that this genre (strategy) forms strong and long-term relationships among the members, and is less exposed to fragmentation and instability of social ties. The study reveals that for users the virtual game world is a space of leisure; place of escape from the problems of real life; means of acquaintance and communication; way for constructing desired personalities. The virtual game world is characterized by an important social stratification of users. It can also be noted that the peculiarities of the «natural» environment of the virtual space determine the predominant spread of democratic principles of managing game clans. The article suggests that in the future the virtual world in general and the virtual game world in particular, would become a place for the search for political subjectivity.