Conceptual shift in leisure patterns of the youth as a result of economic furor

In the 1930s, John Maynard Keynes wrote that within a hundred years 'man will face with his real, permanent problem – how to use his freedom from pressing economic cares, how to occupy his leisure. What has since transformed from the times of Keynes is the conceptual move in leisure paradigms resultant to the economic turbulences. Leisure patterns all over the world are changing due to evolution of our society from an industrial age to a post industrial age. The forces of change are economic, political, environmental, social & demographic. 

The research analysis suggests that underemployment has caused significant changes in individual’s life styles and leisure interests. The analysis was carried out through interviews conducted across the Kanpur city with a sample of 75 respondents belonging to the age group of under 35. The reasons for such shift has been that educational systems currently focus on preparation of work rather than preparing individual’s for both work and leisure in their lives. Due to the economic constraints, the systems are unable to provide work, and as the educational institutions stress on work focus, hence the vision towards leisure is totally neglected. The political agendas too lack an understanding and appreciation for the value of leisure on the over all well-being of the individual, i.e. the youth vis-à-vis the community. As a result of financial turmoil, less jobs are available, and the youth are fighting die hard for survival in this competing arena. As a consequence to this, they do not find both the time and resources for outdoor leisure activities, given the constraints. This is resulting into enhancement of leisurely activities at home, such as watching television, playing cards, doing time pass household works etc.  The outdoor leisure activities are thus reduced due to which there is social elusion.