Authority and Leisure: A Symbiotic Dichotomy ?

Leisure satisfaction is an important life domain with significant contribution to health and well-being. Leisure interests appear to be the manifestations or expressions of authoritarian tendencies. Psychologists know a lot about the political and ideological correlates of people who score high on authoritarianism. Studies have shown that authoritarians enjoyed activities in which physical conflict was prominent, whereas authoritarians tend not to like entertainment that offered introspection. Authoritarianism is a principle of blind submission to authority, as opposed to individual freedom of thought and action.

The type of leisure activity is influenced by complex factors, such as presence or lack of family, religious beliefs and cultural values. One of the earliest theories of leisure originates from Karl Marx, whose theory was discussed through a 'realm of freedom'. The realm of freedom is a true definition of leisure as it embraces doing activities out of the want and pleasure. The basis of leisure is rooted in economics and politics. Leisure includes a broad array of activities, such as sport, tourism and game playing. Authority comes from influence -- cultivating a desire in other people to work for you. Literature shows the benefits of leisure being understood as a context, an activity, or an experience with also the evidence of it being as good and bad.