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The Palgrave Handbook of Leisure Theory pp 437–451Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Serious Leisure: Past, Present, and Possibilities

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Abstract

This chapter describes the development, use, and potential of serious leisure—the concept developed by sociologist Bob Stebbins to describe the systematic pursuit of hobbyist, amateur, and volunteer activities characterised as unique in both the effort required and the benefits that follow. This chapter explores critiques of serious leisure, such as the lack of attention to its stratified nature and its focus on individual rather than community or collective outcomes. Further, the qualities and types of serious leisure are described as they are understood today, including the place of serious pursuits (serious leisure and devotee work) alongside casual and project-based leisure in what Stebbins refers to as the “serious leisure perspective”. Overall, this chapter both describes and critiques the evolution of serious leisure as a concept and a theory and explores its potential as a framework for studying and understanding leisure in the twenty-first century.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Stairs House, 6230 South Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada

    Karen Gallant

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  1. Karen Gallant
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Carnegie Faculty, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom

    Karl Spracklen

  2. Carnegie Faculty, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom

    Brett Lashua

  3. Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada

    Erin Sharpe

  4. Health and Life Sciences, York St John’s University, Leeds, United Kingdom

    Spencer Swain

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Gallant, K. (2017). Serious Leisure: Past, Present, and Possibilities. In: Spracklen, K., Lashua, B., Sharpe, E., Swain, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Leisure Theory. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56479-5_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56479-5_25

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-56478-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-56479-5

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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