This is an examination of the link between human development and behavior in a context, leisure, that has been described as encompassing one third of people's time. This text examines human development as it affects and is affected by leisure -- what people do when they are relatively free to choose their behaviors. Douglas Kleiber and Francis McGuire, two highly respected academics, developed this book around age-based periods of life. The authors assert that leisure relates to human development in three fundamental ways: human development influences leisure behaviour, leisure behaviors influence development, leisure plays a role in moderating the effects of life events. In developing these themes, the authors have invited highly qualified academics to draw on their expertise in fleshing them out, not only by age and life stage but also by activity themes that carry across the life cycle. The book approaches the topic of leisure across the lifespan from a developmental perspective: the orderly, patterned, enduring trajectory of life. A central idea of this book is that both theories for developmental psychology and research findings can lead to practical application -- the so what question is addressed throughout the book. Thus, even though it is a book bounded by developmental theory, it is immediately useful for the student (or anyone else) seeking to understand leisure in everyday life across the lifespan. The authors of these chapters imply, both directly and indirectly, that leisure can be and is identity producing. This is an important book, edited and written by leading authors in the field. It will find a lasting readership among all those interested in understanding and improving human development.

This text explores the relevance of leisure experience (play, sport, happiness, quality of life, and well-being) to optimum human development, using a unique lifespan development approach.

"Leisure is everywhere, but its impact on people's lives is often overlooked. Leisure is more than “doing nothing” or “hanging out.” It has implications for society, affecting economics, politics, business, health, and the environment. On an individual level, it offers multiple opportunities for personal growth and development. And it contributes to a better quality of life for individuals and communities as a whole. With Dimensions of Leisure for Life: Individuals and Society, students will learn to understand and appreciate leisure and explore the ways that their leisure choices can help them lead happier, more balanced lives both now and in the future. ... With contributions from 22 leading professors, the book examines the following: the concept of leisure, including the various ways in which it has been defined and described, the benefits associated with it, the scope of the leisure industry field, and the basis for studying leisure as a social science; the impact of leisure on quality of life, health, physical activity and stress levels, and overall happiness and well-being; the social significance of leisure, including the interaction of leisure with history, contemporary society, technology, the environment, economics, and politics and public policy; the factors that influence each individual's leisure choices and level of involvement in leisure activities, such as awareness of local options, barriers of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status, geographic distribution of leisure spaces; and maturity level and stage of development."--Publisher.

Drawing on the expertise of some of the most innovative minds in the field of leisure studies from across Canada, Decentring Work questions how and why we have come to value paid employment as the marker of social success and individual self-worth and, more provocatively, investigates the role that leisure might play in its stead. Using a mix of approaches from in-depth empirical studies to more conceptually driven discussions, the chapters in Decentring Work weave together effectively into a treatise on notions of work, leisure, power, and social change.

Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Services presents cutting-edge guidance and helps students apply their newfound knowledge as they prepare to enter the rapidly changing leisure services field. This text presents fresh insights on leadership from the most prominent voices in the field today. The contributors present a comprehensive look at modern leadership, identify the challenges future leaders will face, and reveal how future leaders can best prepare to meet those challenges. Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Services provides • a detailed look at the collaborative approach to leadership in leisure services that represents a new direction in the field; • insight into classical leadership as well as innovative and modern leadership theory and best practices; and • an understanding of the roles and functions students will fulfill as they enter the profession. The material, designed for undergraduate recreation and leisure services leadership courses, is presented in three parts. Part I explores personal leadership issues, including communication skills, negotiation strategies, and leadership styles. Part II delves into professional leadership, examining topics such as group dynamics, supervision practices, and team leadership. Part III explores organizational leadership, including internal and external leadership and professional development. The authors present new theories of leadership from research in the field of recreation and leisure. Several learning aids—including chapter-opening scenarios, key terms, glossary, references, and chapter-ending questions for reflection and discussion—appear throughout the text. In addition, each chapter features a Leisure Leaders sidebar that profiles a leader in the field who addresses preparation for the job, a peek at day-to-day work, and advice for aspiring leaders. And a Best Practices sidebar showcases an organization whose innovative leadership has led to positive organizational outcomes. Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Services helps students understand the range of leadership skills they need to develop for successful careers.

The new human development paradigm rests on the human and cultural capital of peoples and revolves around the challenge of increasing the well-being and happiness of people. Therefore, leisure understood in today’s societies as one of the key means to feel good, satisfied with life and reaffirmed in the pursuit of a meaning for life, seems to be ultimately called to play a key role in promoting human development processes. The contents of this book are a good proof of it. Each chapter focuses on a different approach, discipline or group and highlights the potential of leisure experiences for human development. This book is an invitation to reflection and thought on issues that, far from being irrelevant, have a bearing on people's future, in terms of happiness, well-being and quality of life. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that future leisure develops under the guidelines of a leisure that contributes to human development.

Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, Third Edition, presents perspectives from 52 leading experts from around the world. It delves into foundational concepts, delivery systems, and programming services; offers an array of ancillaries; and helps students make informed career choices.

This book reviews empirical and theoretical research on sustainable development in the context of leisure management for communities. Although leading research centers are pursuing interdisciplinary research on leisure in the context of sustainable development, there are still few papers that holistically address the current challenges in this area. In addition, demographic changes have made the promotion of a healthy lifestyle essential. Doing so requires responsible behavior on the part of various stakeholders in this market. This book fills an important gap in the literature and gathers contributions from an interdisciplinary and international team of authors, whose fields of expertise include human geography, management, intersections of sustainability and leisure, behavioral psychology and tourism.

A unique, international resource for Leisure Studies: in one volume the history, organization and central debates in the field of Leisure Studies are defined, providing a one-stop-shop for students and an agenda for future debate and research academics.

Leisure Services Management, Third Edition, outlines essential knowledge and competencies for successful leisure managers. The text prepares students for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam and for careers in commercial recreation, public agencies, and the nonprofit sector