RCRT 6000 Issues & Trends in Recreation & Recreation Therapy Module II: Issues and Trends in Time

& Work
Readings & Assignments Module Notes Posted Readings Leisure Log Discussion Board

Module Module II Opens: Monday, January 13, 2014 Complete By: Sunday, January 26, 2014

Module Topic Of Time and Work: Impacts to Contemporary Society

Module Objective: Upon completion of this module the student will be able to identify the common issues and trends associated with Time and Work in contemporary society and their related impacts on Leisure and Recreational Activity. Overview:
Imagine a world in which most people worked only 15 hours a week. They would be paid as much as, or even more than, they now are, because the fruits of their labor would be distributed more evenly across society. Leisure would occupy far more of their waking hours than work. It was exactly this prospect that John Maynard Keynes conjured up in a little essay published in 1930 called "Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren." Its thesis was simple. As technological progress made possible an increase in the output of goods per hour worked, people would have to work less and less to satisfy their needs, until in the end they would have to work hardly at all. Then, Keynes wrote, "for the first time since his creation man will be faced with his real, his permanent problemhow to use his freedom from pressing economic cares, how to occupy the leisure, which science and compound interest will have won for him, to live wisely and agreeably and well." He thought this condition might be reached in about 100 yearsthat is, by 2030. (In Praise of Leisure, Skidelsky & Skidelsky, 2011).

So where is contemporary society today as it relates to leisure and work? Do we have more time for leisure, or less time for leisure? To what extent is America overworked or underworked? Is leisure even considered a valuable commodity today? Are current economic factors as well as the concern for future economic challenges relegating a life of leisure to simply nothing more than an abstract concept rather than achievable reality. These, as well as other important questions are addressed in the readings for this module. Module Assignments:
Review the attached supplemental reading materials on Time and Work Complete the Leisure Log Assignment (Due Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 11:59 pm) Complete the Discussion Board Assignment (Due by Wednesday January 22, 2014, 11:59 pm & Sunday, January 26, 2014, 11:59 pm)

Leisure Log The purpose of this assignment is to provide you a better understanding of your usage of time, particularly your leisure time. For 5-days keeps a log of your daily activities using the Time Budget Sheet below (feel free to modify the Budget Sheet as needed). Time Budget Sheet Time Began 930 am Time Ended 2pm Day / Date ____January 16, 2014_____________ Activity School Location (Home, School, etc.) School With Whom (Alone, Friend, etc.) Professor and classmates

2pm 7pm 9pm

630pm 830pm 1130pm

Traveling by car to Marietta, ohio Dinner Relaxation/watching TV/reading

Car Prime restaurant Hotel room

Fianc Fianc Fianc

Please submit copies of your 5 daily time budget sheets to Dr. Longsdorf at eric.longsdorf@utoledo.edu by
Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 11:59 pm.

Discussion Board Topic Assignment: Thoughts on Time, Work & Leisure

While issues and trends related to Time, Work, and Leisure have been studied and debated extensively in contemporary society, most today tend to agree (in reality or public perception) that currently Americans work more and spend less time engaging in leisure. Many also argue that this trend toward less and less leisure time has been steady and unwavering.

Based on the readings assigned for this module and what you discovered in relation to your time usage from completing your Leisure Log, as well as your own experiences: Describe how similar or different your average daily leisure time is compares to the Leisure Time on an Average Day chart published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Leisure Time The Average Day.pdf) and discuss some possible causes and consequences of a continued trend toward less and less leisure time. From a personal perspective, indicate ways in which you feel you could increase leisure time in your life. Make sure to support your response with examples from your own experience, observation, or assigned reading. Due by Wednesday January 22, 2014, 11:59 pm Read your classmates discussions on the ways in which they feel they could increase leisure time in their life. Share with any classmates those ways they discussed that could also assist you in increasing your leisure time. Due by Sunday, January 26, 2014, 11:59 pm