Analyse the Development of Leisure

OUTCOME 1 ANALYSE THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEISURE
QUESTION 1
The Ancient Greek:
“Leisure is an essential opportunity for the development of man and woman and the unity of body and mind” (Torkildsen, 1999)
Leisure back in the Ancient Greek times was seen as a time to enjoy public entertainment and competitions and also to partake in professionalization sports. Though these were some of the many things the Greeks did for leisure back in those days, the most important form of leisure lead to “aesthetic, spiritual or intellectual enlightenment through the search for understanding” (Torkildsen, 1999). This was because of reasons like how others were enslaved to do the job that needed to be done while others enjoyed their free time doing what they would do to keep themselves entertained.
Now in this era, two of the Greek civilization remains. These are the “work – leisure distinction and the Greek leisure ethic” (Torkildsen, 1999) along with the belief that people can make choices. This is why nowadays there are no more slaves and everyone has to earn a living by the sweat of their own brows.
The Romans:
“Leisure in Rome was seen as a social context of urbanization and the political use of leisure to quieten the masses” (Torkildsen, 1999)
Free time in Rome was important to the Romans as this meant the wellbeing of the people in Rome. But this free time became a problem. Torkildsen (1999) stated that emperors in Rome “attempted to keep people content by providing free food and entertainment.” Because of the mass population in Rome, entertainment was seen as a way to keep the population entertained so that they wouldn’t cause conflict on the streets.

We see that today in this era. According to Torkildsen (1999) many cultures have used the example of Rome to show the “consequences of uncontrolled misuse of leisure.” This is why nowadays many theatres and other entertainment materials have been put into place to quieten the mass of population that surrounds us.
The Middle Ages:
“Leisure was used as a time to worship religious beliefs. The churches prohibited most kinds of leisure activity except those relating to worship and religious observance” (Torkildsen, 1999)
Leisure in the Middle Ages was only used to worship religious beliefs and also to partake in religious festivals. According to Torkildsen (1999) it stated that Catholic churches taught the people that the “purpose of life was to prepare for the next life.” Every other kinds of leisure in the Middle Ages like sports and gambling were prohibited by the churches and those that disobeyed would face the consequences of their actions (O’Reilly, 2002).
Though we see religious beliefs in this era, everyone has a choice to choose now if they would want to partake in these religious gathering’s. According to Torkildsen (1999) the power of the Church gradually “declined” though Europe was still controlled by powerful monarchs.
The Renaissance and Reformation:
“Leisure was seen as an opportunity for the public and students to learn” (Torkildsen, 1999)
Leisure during this time was seen as a time for those that were willing to learn to come together. Torkildsen (1999) stated that the Renaissance and Reformation was the “birth of modern times.” When the power of the Catholic Churches declined this permitted an “awakening in humanity and the arts” (Torkildsen, 1999).
Nowadays we see the same thing in this period. Torkildsen (1999) stated that the Renaissance period has encouraged people to “sought the creativity and development through education and greater freedom in leisure.” In other words, the rebirth of humanism and new discoveries in fine arts, music, literature, etc has caused more and more of the public masses to go out into the world to seek and gain more knowledge and understanding.
The Industrial Revolution:
“Leisure was seen as a wholesome opportunity for activity after work which refreshed and renewed the worker for more work” (Torkildsen, 1999)
People liked to believe that during the Industrial Revolution times, leisure was full of wall – to – wall laughter and summer – long sunshine. But since the Industrial Revolution came into the picture all this was taken away. Long working hours took away any chance people had of finding pleasure in leisure. According to Torkildsen (1999) the working class began to “demand leisure.” This demand was not for any “idealism or enlightenment” but certainly for time off work.
Now in this period, we see the same thing. Torkildsen (1999) stated that the demand for “work and free time” led to the “organization of modern work and the world of public, voluntary and industrial recreation.” These days workers are not working for more than 8 hours unless they choose to do over – time. And now many public parks and pubs, etc have been provided for the use of workers when they take time off work.
Reference:
Torkildsen, G. (1999). Leisure and Recreation Management (4thed). Published E & FN Spon, London
Hugh O’Reilly. (2013). The Middle Ages. Retrieved February 15th, 2013, from: http://www.traditioninaction.org/History/A_021_Festivals.htm
Characteristics of the Renaissance Period. (n.d). Retrieved February 15th, 2013, from: http://www.ehow.com/about_5448785_characteristics-renaissance-period.html#page=0