Disorganized Leisure?

Bourgeois culture was wedded to a rational view of work and leisure. It identified a structural dichotomy between work and leisure in the organization of individual life-space and society. Work was seen in every sense as the dominant partner. Through it, the individual was said to develop the disciplines of attention, application and perseverance, and also to husband the dexterity necessary for dealing with the affairs of ordinary life. As for society, work was viewed as the fundamental principle of well-being and growth.’ In contrast, leisure, though of secondary importance, was seen as necessary for the health of the individual and society. Most commentators regarded leisure to be the reward for work. Furthermore, a balance in favour of leisure over work was castigated as a moral and social danger. In the words of Samuel Smiles:

Leisure cannot be enjoyed unless it is won by effort. If it have not been earned by work, the price has not been paid for it. There must be work before and work behind, with leisure to fall back upon; but the leisure without the work, can no more be enjoyed than a surfeit. (1894: 93)