Future Of Work And Leisure, The

Description: Globalization, economic development and changes in social environments have put the relationships between work, leisure, social structure and quality of life under the spotlight. Profound transformations in the nature and organization of work are occurring, with potentially far-reaching social and economic consequences. Increasingly, organizations demand greater flexibility from their workforces and are introducing new technologies and practices in response to global competitive pressures. At the same time many employees are experiencing long working hours, increasing workloads and job insecurity, along with the challenge of balancing work and domestic responsibilities. These changes threaten long-term gain in leisure time while, simultaneously, the leisure environment is also changing radically, as we see increasing commercialization and professionalization of leisure services and experiences, the influence of the Internet, the rise of gambling and the decline of community-based activity. Exploring all of these issues, this book brings together specially commissioned chapters from international experts in a wide range of disciplines concerned with work, leisure and well-being. Each author takes stock of the current position, identifies core practical and theoretical issues and discusses possible future trends in order to provide an invaluable resource for all policy-makers, educators, employers and researchers in the field. Table of Contents: Introduction. Part 1: The Changing Face of Work and Leisure. A Brief History of Work and Leisure. Work and Leisure in the Twentieth Century: The Devil Continues to Make Work. Post-modernist Constructs of Work and Leisure. Gender, Work and Leisure. The Economy of Work and Leisure. Leisure Behaviour. Part 2: Quality of Life and Work and Leisure. Work, Time and Stress. Work, Leisure, and Well-being. Understanding Work. Working Families and Well-being. Leisure and Health. Serious Leisure, Volunteerism and Quality of Life.