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Leisure, Social Space, and Belonging

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The Palgrave Handbook of Leisure Theory

Abstract

This chapter unpacks the dynamic interplay of leisure, social space, and belonging by examining how leisure relations are negotiated and contested in the production of social space. Drawing on the seminal work of Henri Lefebvre and Judith Butler, the chapter demonstrates how social space in leisure settings encourages and discourages certain forms of social interaction and gives form to social structures and ideologies that have implications for belonging. In particular, the text interrogates social space for its role in normalizing the authority of specific social groups, setting out spatial boundaries, and functioning as a symbol of social values. Readers are encouraged to undermine the false division between physical and conceptual space by comprehending the concrete and abstract jointly. To this end, the chapter discusses the possibilities of space in which individuals, through their leisure, can engage in emancipatory and/or discriminatory practice.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada

    Troy Glover

Authors
  1. Troy Glover
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Carnegie Faculty, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom

    Karl Spracklen

  2. Carnegie Faculty, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom

    Brett Lashua

  3. Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada

    Erin Sharpe

  4. Health and Life Sciences, York St John’s University, Leeds, United Kingdom

    Spencer Swain

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Glover, T. (2017). Leisure, Social Space, and Belonging. In: Spracklen, K., Lashua, B., Sharpe, E., Swain, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Leisure Theory. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56479-5_49

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56479-5_49

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-56478-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-56479-5

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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