Children and families form the closest and most important emotional bond in humans. This relationship is what drives humanity and society, and positions families at the centre of leisure activities. In recent years, there has been a greater focus on the leisure and tourist experiences of children and families (Carr, 2011; Reis, Thompson-Carr, & Lovelock, 2012; Schänzel, Yeoman, & Backer, 2012; Shaw, 2010). Much of this discourse is based on ‘Western’ and more ‘traditional families’ which does not reflect the increased diversity among families in terms of cultural background and family composition. This proposed special issue seeks to extend that discourse to a wider understanding of what families, children and their leisure behaviour mean in today’s societies. On the one hand, there is much ideological emphasis on the benefits of bonding and strengthening of relationships through family leisure participation. On the other hand, there are many constraints, stresses and social exclusions associated with facilitating and undertaking family leisure. These inherent contradictions, changes in societal values and the complexities of diverse family groups allow much scope for new insights into family leisure.
The potential to break new ground in family leisure research is therefore both exciting and diverse, and this special issue of Annals of Leisure Research seeks to bring new research into previously unstudied or understudied aspects of family leisure. We welcome paper submissions that address all aspects of family leisure, including the following potential topics:
- Ideologies, stresses and disagreements in family leisure
- The positive and not so positive implications of family leisure for families and family members
- Non-Western family leisure and leisure behaviour of families from ethnic or indigenous backgrounds
- Gay and lesbian family leisure
- Disability, social exclusion and other constraining aspects in family leisure
- Single parent’s (mother or father) and non-resident parent’s leisure with their children
- Multi-generational, extended and blended family leisure
- Children as sophisticated consumers of family leisure
- Other considerations in family leisure such as gender and generational differences
Important dates for authors:
- Submission of abstracts: Please send proposed paper title and an abstract of no more than 250 words to guest editors Heike Schänzel and Neil Carr no later than 1st May 2014.
- We will advise the outcome no later than 15th May (two weeks later).
- Submission of full paper: 17th October 2014 (further details to be advised upon confirmation of abstract acceptance)
- Publication: Second issue 2015 (approximately August)
References:
- Carr, N. (2011). Children’s and Families’ Holiday Experiences. London and New York: Routledge.
- Reis, A. C., Thompson-Carr, A., & Lovelock, B. (2012). Parks and families: Addressing management facilitators and constraints to outdoor recreation participation. Annals of Leisure Research, 15(4), 315-334. doi:10.1080/11745398.2012.737299
- Schänzel, H., Yeoman, I., & Backer, E. (Eds.). (2012). Family Tourism: Multidisciplinary Perspectives. Bristol: Channel View.
- Shaw, S. M. (2010). Diversity and ideology: changes in Canadian family life and implications for leisure. World Leisure Journal, 52(1), 4-13.
