Leisure in an Unequal World: Gender Differences in Australia

This paper traces the development of leisure in Australia along gender lines. Leisure in Australia has been male-dominated. Historical analysis paints a picture of women in supporting roles with regard to leisure. They have been placed in an inferior position. The home care role of women has been contrasted with the breadwinner role of males. While men dominated recreation resources, women were expected to facilitate men’s leisure. In contemporary times, the gender gap between leisure provision and participation has narrowed with observations of separate pathways in types of activities and parity in total participation. Development of gender equality in leisure has occurred through research studies; measurement of leisure engagement; and the diversity of recreation offerings and provision. The paper is structured historically with gender activity described in traditional aboriginal life, during colonial times and at post-1945 and contemporary eras.