The way we organise our free time can reveal a great deal about our identities and ideology. This book explores what our sports and leisure choices can tell us about the society in which we live. Comprehensive, cutting edge and packed with global examples it covers all the essentials for students of sports and leisure sociology.

Karl Spracklen is a Professor of Leisure Studies at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK.

Introduction: What is Sociology of Leisure?
PART I: UNDERSTANDING LEISURE
1. A History and Philosophy of Leisure
2. Leisure and Modernity
3. Leisure and Work
4. Leisure as Function
PART II: LEISURE SOCIOLOGIES
5. Leisure and Structure
6. Leisure and Inequality
7. Leisure and Identity
8. Leisure and Community
9. Leisure Subcultures
PART III: LEISURE TRENDS
10. Leisure and Globalization
11. Leisure and Commodification
12. Leisure and Postmodernity
13. Postmodern Leisure
14. Liquid Leisure and Intentionality
15. Leisure and Resistance
16. Dark Leisure
17. The Future of Leisure
PART IV: THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LEISURE
18. The Meaning and Purpose of Leisure.