Leisure & young married women

Abstract

Leisure is important for all of society and for every individual, no matter what age. Young people in particular have much to gain from participation in leisure activities, not only in terms of enjoyment but also as regards socializing with peers and adults outside the family context. Leisure time gives young people the space in which they can try out different lifestyles as well as a place in which to belong. The impact of leisure on society and individuals is highly significant and its importance in the area of young people's psychological, physical and social development makes it a crucial issue in youth work. Unfortunately, much research into the area of leisure highlights the presence of strong gender divisions. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, this study has attempted to explore the leisure perceptions and experiences of young married women, identifying those aspects of their situation which facilitate or constrain their opportunities for leisure, the meaning that leisure has for them and their feelings regarding this matter. The importance of leisure for young people and young married women in particular is highlighted and emphasized throughout this dissertation, and from the research findings it is clear that young married women experience a highly substantial decrease in their leisure time once they become mothers, and that this decrease is particularly circumscribed by cultural ideologies and the maintenance of traditional gender stereotypes. The research concludes with a summary of the main findings and makes recommendations for further research, policy and service development.