Controversial Reflections on the Theme "Leisure": from Free Time to Lifestyle

Today there is more of a dialectical approach to the meanings of leisure. In earlier times there was more of a consensus or similar understanding of one's free time. The purpose of this paper is to explain today's various meanings of leisure. We discuss the meaning of time and space and its relation to leisure. In addition we have focused on a discussion of free time, work and not work, as well as one's lifestyle. In particular we will introduce the ideas of Dumazedier. In summary we concur with other authors, especially Dumazedier, that leisure is more than free time: it is best understand as a way of life, as a lifestyle.