Introduction

Leisure is an activity of individual interest, a choice made without much regard to economic, social or political pressures. Leisure is defined as ‘free time’; time that is not dedicated to working and earning an income. In economic terms, it can be defined as ‘a function of the demand for and supply of time’ (George, 1957). In the past decade, leisure has been commodifed and converted into a merit good. Therefore, is important to know the consequences of such commodified leisure on all strata of society. This commodification of leisure has led to changes in the leisure-consumption pattern and consequently brought about the exclusion of the lower economic strata of society from the leisure market. Much likeUnlike the market for any product, in the leisure market the equilibrium is set where demand and supply of leisure intersect, excluding those who cannot afford to demand leisure at the equilibrium price level. [N1]This paper aims to examine the relationship between income, occupation and leisure and study the exclusion of the lower income groups by institutions due to the commodification of leisure. This paper also draws from the results of a primary survey, which reveal the influence institutions (like the media) have on leisure consumption, and the manner and extent of the commodification of leisure goods. It also indicates that government intervention can lead to inclusion of citizens, irrespective of income barriers.

Inequality in leisure consumption dates back to feudal times. The class which owned resources enjoyed leisure as it could avail ample goods and services produced by the working class and indulge in what Veblen (1934, p.15) calls ‘conspicuous consumption’. With rapid technological advancement, the number of working hours has reduced per worker and has lead to a ‘new leisure class’. However, this is true only for skilled and semi-skilled workers. Unskilled workers (engaged in menial jobs) have to work for a greater number of hours to sustain their families. They also face the threat of what Marx calls ‘industrial reserve army’ (Haney, 1933). This reduces their number of hours available for leisure.