Chapter 26- Lecture 17 and 18

midterm 2

Veblen 1899 quote

The lower classes copy the upper classes to gain status

social class

A group of people with similarities in their ability to access resources such as food, clothing, shelter, education.

Similar interests and lifestyles

Hierarchy of class groups – upper class → underclass

socioeconomic status- determining factors

Occupation

Level of education

Income

Reputation/status

Possessions

Family history

theory of leisure class

Veblen (1899)

Only the upper classes could truly have leisure.

The lower classes copy the upper classes to gain status.

Conspicuous consumption/conspicuous leisure – leisure as a way for members of society to distinguish themselves

poverty

The absence of basic essentials either in material form or service form

relative and absolute

relative poverty

having less than those around you, varies over time and place

absolute poverty

not having enough to sustain physical health over time

Canadian Poverty

The gap in incomes between the rich and poor is increasing

Women have higher poverty rates than men. Women over 65 are
nearly twice as likely to live in poverty than men.

Child poverty in Canada is a serious concern.

Child and family poverty disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

• racialized children, 15.1%.

• children in lone-parent families led by women, 29.7%.

• First Nations children living on reserve, 37.4%

why examine the issue of poverty in the context of leisure

World Recreation and Leisure Association- Leisure is a basic human right, regardless of one’s economic, educational, or employment situation.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights- Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

important issues

In order to provide equal and equitable access to leisure opportunities it is necessary to understand how social class and poverty impact leisure choice and opportunities for leisure

poverty can lead to…

social exclusion and marginalization which means no, or limited access to opportunities to participate in the leisure activities of the mainstream society

a lack of individual confidence, friendships and other positive social relationships because of loneliness and exclusion from
sports, recreation, culture and other activities

financial constraint

Lack of time or financial resources is generally the reason why people do not participate in many common leisure activities in society, sports and cultural activities

financial constraints- social stigma

Can arise when those with lower economic status feel they are judged because of their financial situation, consequently they feel uncomfortable in social settings and may be unwilling to participate in activities, even if they are free or affordable

equality, equity, and access

Practitioners and providers need to be aware of the different leisure expectations and needs of people of different social class groupings

opportunities and obligations of the recreation profession

Undertaking ongoing and routine needs assessment

Having a commitment to long-term political change

Providing sufficient resources

Increasing knowledge and awareness

Fostering a sense of ownership

research

The relationship between income and “social participation” as defined by membership in social groups, church groups, political and other cultural organizations.

• Membership and involvement in these groups was extremely limited for those in the lower classes.

The connection between social-class status and leisure activity.

• Members of the upper and middle classes were nearly always more likely to participate in leisure activities.

The leisure activities of youth in relation to the income of their
families.

• The lower the family income, the less likely a child is to participate in nearly all forms of organized recreation from art, drama, and music, to community groups, organized sports, and youth camp activities

benefit of research

By looking at the relationship between social class and leisure, we can become more aware of the different kinds of leisure expectations and needs of people in different social class groupings

Oxford Report on Wealth Gap Increase

62 of richest people have more wealth than 3.5 billion people

• world is more unbalanced

• 41% poorer

• mostly in US (~ half), some in Europe (17), others in China, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia

• mostly men

• used to be 388 made as much as bottom 3.5 billion

• 53/62 are men