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Impact on engagement in sport and leisure |
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Leisure time increases
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American adults have gained 4-9 extra hours per week of leisure time since the 1960s due to shorter working weeks
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Impact on Low-Wage Earners
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Low-wage earners have experienced a more significant increase in leisure time
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Single-Person Households
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In 2022, about 30% of households in the U.S. were single people
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High Wage vs. Low Wage Workers
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High-wage workers may allocate a higher proportion of income to eating out, while the low-wage group is less likely to eat out
The average American household spends $3,008 per year on dining out
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Income Inequality Growth
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Income inequality has risen significantly, with the wealthiest 1% accounting for over 20% of wealth in 2010, compared to 1% in 1969
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Black-White Income Gap
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A median Black household income is 61% of median White household income in 2018
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Ethnic Variation in Leisure Activities
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Research has shown leisure activities show some ethnic variation, with differences likely tied to education and wealth
71% of whites, 60% of African Americans, and 56% of Hispanics reported playing video games
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Shift to Individualized Leisure
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Team sports participation has declined, while jogging and health club attendance have increased, reflecting a shift towards more individualized leisure
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Student Leisure Habits
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Students spend, on average, 15 hours per week watching television and about 5 hours per week participating in organized activities
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Changes in Facility Size
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Cinemas and theatres are being replaced by multiplexes. Home TVs have increased in size. Online TV streaming has increased; e.g., Netflix had over 77 million subscribers in 2022
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Evolution of leisure
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In the 19th century, leisure was often at home and the 20th century saw a shift to cinemas, theatres, restaurants, and sports matches
In the early 21st century, there is a trend towards more home-based leisure, such as online streaming services or hobbies
COVID-19 saw an increase in leisure options being promoted, such as streaming exercise programmes
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