RPTS 601
Origins of Modern Leisure: Objectives & Discussion Questions
Readings

Cross, G. (1990). A Social History of Leisure : Chapters 6-9.
Objectives
1.
We will understand how industrialization "repackaged" leisure.
2.
We will understand what the rational recreation movement was all about.
3.
We will examine how industrialism shaped family leisure and leisure among youth.
4.
We will understand the factors that shaped the transformation of commercial amusements.
Discussion Questions
1.
In Chapter 6 ( The quest for leisure: 1820-1900 ), Cross stated, "the redistribution of time has been accompanied by a drastic 'repackaging' of leisure hours" (p. 73). What does a "repackaging of leisure hours" mean?
2.
Cross argued there were different ways to repackage leisure. How did these different ways vary by social class or position?
3.
What arguments did various groups make to support or limit the reduction of work time? Why were reformers reluctant to increase free time among men?
4.
What was the rational recreation movement? Who initiated it?
5.
What does Cross mean that the rational recreation movement was restrictive? In what ways did advocates of rational recreation seek to improve time?
6.
What is the legacy of the rational recreation movement? What impact did it have on working class leisure?
7.
What was the "cult of domesticity" and what were some if its characteristics? How far reaching was this movement? That is, was it embraced by all classes?
8.
How was family leisure reflected in attitudes about children’s play?
9.
In what ways are youth “problems” modern in origin? How did attitudes about youth vary by gender and social class?
10.
How did middle class organizers go about providing recreation and play opportunities for children and teens?
11.
On page 124, Cross noted that commercial entertainment "triumphed over traditional popular and rational recreation." What evidence in the chapter (and the rest of the book) does he give in support of this assertion?
12.
What factors contributed to the rise of commercial entertainment? In what ways did the mass marketing of amusements create uniformity in leisure tastes?