Liberal ideology and its relationship to leisure theory and policy: The case of Australia

Abstract

In Australia there has been little scholarly attention given to political ideology in relation to leisure. A major reason is the dominant influence of liberal concepts and ideas. An understanding of liberalism is essential for developing an understanding of the ways in which leisure within Australia has been conceptualized by theorists and applied in practice. Particular attention is given to the interpretation under liberal ideology of the growth and development of commercial leisure, and the role of the state, and the limitations that this approach has in leisure provision and opportunities. The paper urges that attention be given to re-constructing an adequate ideology of leisure which recognises the problems associated with liberalism as the dominant political ideology in driving leisure policy, and develops a more complete and realistic understanding of the complex flows of costs and benefits of leisure to different groups in society.