The Pattern of Leisure in Contemporary American Culture

Abstract

Leisure as a thing to be earned and re-earned was the typical pat tern of traditional American culture. There was a definite rhythm between work and leisure, and all leisure was seen in the context of future work and good works. The depression and World War II brought about many imbalances in this system. In the last decade there has been a subtle shift in the balance from work and good works to the home. This is now the center for existence which in turn justifies working at all; the role of husband and father has become a vital one. Although there are many rewards in this home-oriented setup, there are also stresses and strains. These are often relieved by getting out of the home and away to work. At the moment our problem is to reach a new balance in which we discard the outmoded sequence of an age of scarcity and satisfac torily integrate the home ritual and shorter working hours of our new age.—Ed.