The process of social control in public and private spheres

Abstract

We have argued earlier that women share a subordinate social position which is mediated by divisions of social class and race, as well as by divisions of age and marital status. It is important to analyse the components of the process of social control which maintain that subordination. Gender is clearly a key dimension in understanding the form and content of leisure in capitalist society, and the specific experiences of individuals in relation to leisure activities and attitudes in the ‘public’ and ‘private’ spheres. At the level of ideology, sexuality is a central factor in representations of women both pursuing their own leisure interests and servicing the leisure of others. Sexuality is also a crucial element in representations of appropriate ways for women and men to spend time, which assumes particular significance in an examination of pub cultures and drinking behaviour.