Sports, leisure and tourism Flashcards
(135 cards)
What is the growth of purpose of leisure time for societies in different geographic and development contexts?
The growth of leisure time is influenced by a combination of factors, including government regulations limiting working hours, increased wages allowing individuals to meet their needs in fewer hours, reduced costs of goods and services freeing up resources, the widespread adoption of the five-day work week, and technological developments automating tasks and reducing time spent on non-leisure activities.
The availability of leisure time differs significantly between High-Income Countries (HICs) and Middle/Low-Income Countries (MICs/LICs). HICs generally report higher levels of leisure due to more formal employment, the presence of labor laws, and the prevalence of automated technologies, whereas people in MICs/LICs tend to have less leisure time due to longer working hours (often in informal sectors), and a greater reliance on manual labor.
The purpose of leisure time is evolving, with tourism experiencing significant growth. This growth is propelled by increased demand resulting from higher incomes, more leisure time, the influence of technology and social media, and diaspora growth. The tourism industry is supported by improvements on the “supply” side, including more tourist facilities, government policies encouraging tourism, better transportation and information infrastructure, and increased international security.
What is the growth of changing of leisure time for societies in different geographic and development contexts?
The growth of leisure time is fueled by a variety of interconnected factors. Government regulations on working hours, coupled with increasing wages, enable individuals to earn the same amount of money while working less. Reduced costs for both basic needs and luxury items further alleviate the need for extensive work hours. The widespread acceptance of the five-day work week allows for longer periods of leisure. Finally, technological advancements continue to automate tasks, freeing up even more time for leisure pursuits.
The availability of leisure time varies significantly across different regions and developmental contexts. High-Income Countries (HICs) tend to report higher leisure time due to formal employment structures, greater adherence to labor laws, and the presence of automated technologies. Conversely, Middle and Low-Income Countries (MICs and LICs) often exhibit lower leisure time due to longer working hours in informal sectors and a greater reliance on manual labor. The financial crisis of 2009 has had an impact, in that many people have to work more to earn the same as their wages have not kept up with inflation. Also, the gender divide shows women are more likely to work than men, and take on the role of homemaker.
The concept of leisure is also evolving, shifting from more generic, mass tourism to niche and specialized types. Tourism now has a major role to play with leisure time as the tourism industry continues to grow worldwide; although this is not consistent, due to factors like the price of the country, and significant global crises. New trends that are emerging include more focus on heritage, medical, and adventure tourism.
What are the categorisation of touristic activities?
- Cost
- Duration
- Destination
What are the categorisation of sporting activities?
- Cost
- Popularity
- Site
What are detailed examples to illustrate recent changes in participation for two more societies at contrasting stages of development?
- China
- USA
What is the link between economic development and participation in leisure activities?
Economic development is intrinsically linked to participation in leisure activities. As countries develop economically, several key factors emerge that directly influence leisure time. Firstly, increased economic prosperity often leads to government regulations limiting working hours and the implementation of minimum wages, enabling individuals to earn sufficient income while working fewer hours. Simultaneously, reduced costs for essential goods and services further decrease the need for extensive work. This combination allows more people to have greater amounts of disposable income and leisure time, which can then be spent on a variety of leisure activities, including tourism, sports, and recreation. However, it is also important to consider factors like the disparity between economic classes, gender roles, and what leisure activities are made available.
What are factors affecting personal participation in sports and tourism?
- Affluence
- Gender
- Stage in lifecycle
- Personality
- Place of residence
What is the meaning of leisure?
Freely chosen activity/experience in non-work time. Includes sport, recreation, and tourism.
What is the meaning of tourism?
Travel away from home for at least one night for the purpose of leisure.
What is the meaning of sport?
A physical activity involving events and competitions at the national and international scale with professional participants.
How has government regulation contributed to the growth of leisure time for societies in different geographic and developmental contexts?
- Government Regulation: Limits on working hours imposed by governments.
- Example: The European Union’s Working Time Directive limits work to 48 hours per week (European Commission, 2017).
- Impact: These regulations directly decrease potential working hours, increasing leisure time.
How have increases in wages contributed to the growth of leisure time for societies in different geographic and developmental contexts?
- Increased Wages: Minimum wage implementation means workers can earn the same amount of money in fewer hours.
- Example: Hong Kong introduced a minimum wage in 2011 that was increased in 2017.
- Impact: Allows individuals to meet their needs while working fewer hours, increasing leisure time.
- Exception: El Salvador, where the minimum wage is only US$6.67 per day for picking cotton, requiring long hours.
How have reduced costs of goods and services contributed to the growth of leisure time for societies in different geographic and developmental contexts?
- Reduced Costs: Lower costs for basic needs (e.g., food) and luxuries (e.g., computers) reduces the amount of work required to afford them.
- Impact: Frees up time and resources that can be dedicated to leisure activities.
How has the increased acceptance of a five-day work week contributed to the growth of leisure time for societies in different geographic and developmental contexts?
- 5-Day Work Week: Greater acceptance, especially for part-time staff, leading to longer weekends and more time for leisure.
- Impact: Provides concentrated blocks of free time conducive to travel, hobbies, and other leisure pursuits.
How have technological developments contributed to the growth of leisure time for societies in different geographic and developmental contexts?
- Technological Developments: Automation makes non-leisure activities less time-consuming (e.g., dishwashers).
- Impact: Reduces time spent on household chores and other necessary tasks, increasing available leisure time.
How does the availability of leisure time differ between HICs and MICs/LICs, and why?
HICs (High-Income Countries):
- Higher reported leisure time.
- More “formal” employment (taxed, regulated).
- Automated technology reduces time spent on non-leisure activities.
MICs/LICs (Middle/Low-Income Countries):
- Less leisure time.
- More likely to work longer hours for income.
- More informal employment (underreported).
- Manual labor for tasks automated in HICs.
What “demand” factors have driven the growth of tourism?
- Higher Incomes: More disposable income available for travel and leisure activities.
- More Leisure Time: As discussed in previous cards, more free time to travel.
- Technology: TV, social media, online advertising, and online booking sites fuel desire and ease of planning.
- Diaspora Growth: More people living in countries different from their birth, increasing travel to visit relatives.
What “supply” factors have driven the growth of tourism?
- More Tourist Facilities: Increased availability of hotels, restaurants, attractions, etc.
- Government Policies: Policies designed to encourage and support tourism.
- Better Transport/Information: Improved transportation infrastructure and readily available travel information.
- Increased International Security: Reduced safety concerns in many areas.
What are the general trends in leisure time across different societies?
Despite many people working long hours, the average amount of leisure time has been increasing in many societies. This is due to a drop in work times.
How can financial crises impact leisure time trends?
Since the financial crisis of 2009, many individuals have found that they have had to work more because their wages have not increased as fast as inflation.
How does gender impact leisure time?
There is a leisure time gender divide in most societies, with women typically having less leisure time than men.
This is because women are more likely to be involved in informal employment and are more likely to take on the role of homemaker.
What is the significance of tourism as a growth industry?
Tourism is a huge growth industry. In 2016, there were over 1,235 million international tourist arrivals, contributing 10% of global GDP, 7% of global trade and 10% of global employment (UNWTO, 2017).
Has the growth in tourism been evenly spread over time and space?
- No, this growth has not been evenly spread over time or space. Some world regions appear to have higher levels of international tourist arrival than others.
- Asia and the Pacific are experiencing faster growth than other regions.
What events have caused dips in tourism trends?
- 2009: a significant dip occurred during the global economic crisis as wages and job security caused people to not travel.
- Early 2000s: terrorism concerns made people not want to travel.
- Early 1990s: the insecurity around the breakup of the Soviet Union was a further disincentive.