Women's Leisure, what Leisure?

Book excerpt: Until recently the Sociology of Leisure was dominated by theoretical approaches which made women's experiences invisible. Drawing upon feminist perspectives this book re-conceptualises leisure in order to provide a more informed understanding of women's leisure. The authors argue that such an examination necessarily involves a study of women's daily lives which views leisure in relation to the structure of their lives as a whole. Drawing upon a major study of Sheffield women's leisure and other sources, the processes of negotiation and social control are cited as crucial in determing women's access to free time and the resources required to enjoy leisure.