LEISURE STUDIES: AN EXPLORATORY RESEARCH FROM AN INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Since gendered dynamics shape the structure of leisure activities, an intersectional approach between leisure studies and feminist theories becomes essential. Integrating feminist perspectives into leisure studies enables an in-depth understanding of how leisure experiences are shaped by the intersection of gender with other social identities. Within the scope of this study, which aims to explore the application possibilities of the intersectional feminist perspective in the field of leisure studies, previous studies were examined comprehensively from a critical perspective through an exploratory literature review and a conceptual framework was developed in three parts. In the first part, traditional leisure studies are reviewed in an intersectional context and the limitations of traditional research in dealing with the heterogeneous nature of leisure experiences are emphasised. In the second part, the gendered nature of leisure is discussed and the effects of gender norms and expectations on the shaping of individuals' leisure experiences are revealed. In the third part, the factors that cause inequalities in access to leisure and intersect with each other are analysed from an intersectional feminist perspective. To summarise, this exploratory study demonstrates the importance of an intersectional feminist perspective in understanding the interconnected social identities that affect individuals' leisure experiences, as well as providing a guiding conceptual framework for future research on promoting social justice and equality in the field of leisure.