a definition Q: Is there an official definition of the term leisure and the leisure industry?
George Torkildsen, in his book Leisure Management A-Z: a dictionary of terms, defines leisure as: ‘Leisure’ is interpreted variously. It has been perceived as: blocks of time when we are most free to be ourselves; as activities; as a state of being; as an all-embracing of life merging the three dimensions of time, activity and state of mind; and as a perceived freedom to choose. it is also described, ideally, as a way of life, a philosophy of living. Leisure was thought to be the opposite of work, but increasingly leisure and work are considered to be on a continuum. Effort (work) is expended both at work and in many leisure activities. It is leisure, however, free from compulsion and necessity, which gives greater potential for human self-fulfilment. Leisure has to do with activities, chosen usually for their own sake, in relative freedom, which bring intrinsic satisfaction. Leisure is not time but ‘leisure’ use of time. The personal and social orientations of the use and satisfaction
