Young People and Leisure - Classic study of education and leisure

In this review of Young People and Leisure the reviewer finds a focused, historically important study for readers interested in the intersection of education and free time. First published in 1971, the book examines how education services relate to the leisure lives of young adults in a small industrial village, and the bottom line is that it remains a useful reference for policy-makers and students seeking detailed case-based insight into non-urban leisure provision. This review highlights the book's analytical approach and its value as a sociological resource rather than a practical how-to guide.

Key Features

• Historical case study: Presents a detailed case study of young adults in a small industrial village, offering context-specific findings helpful for comparative research.
• Focus on education services: Explores the relationship between schools, youth services and adult education and how these institutions affect leisure opportunities.
• Policy relevance: Identifies challenges for provision of leisure in non-urban areas, making it useful for policy-makers studying rural or industrial communities.
• Academic value: Serves as a concise reference for students of Sociology and Leisure Studies seeking empirical material on youth leisure patterns.
• Concise original publication: First published in 1971, the book provides a snapshot of social conditions and service provision from a past era that still informs longitudinal study.

Who It's For

The book is best suited to sociology students, leisure studies researchers and policy analysts who need a compact, well-defined case study of how education and leisure intersect in a small industrial setting. Its emphasis on institutions and provision makes it relevant for anyone studying youth services, adult education and community planning.

Readers looking for contemporary program guides, step-by-step youth-work manuals or modern statistical surveys should look elsewhere, since the study reflects conditions and perspectives from the early 1970s rather than current service models or up-to-date demographic data.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a focused, empirical case study that illuminates the link between education services and leisure.
• Useful reference material for students and policy-makers studying non-urban leisure provision.
• Clear discussion of problems faced by schools, youth services and adult education in the study area.

Cons

• Material is dated to 1971 and does not reflect contemporary policies or current demographic data.

Specifications

Title	Young People and Leisure
Series	Routledge Library Editions: Leisure Studies
Author	John Leigh
First published	1971
Subject areas	Sociology; Leisure Studies; Education and youth services
Focus	Case study of young adults in a small industrial village

Our Verdict

Young People and Leisure is a compact, academically useful study that remains valuable for historical and comparative work on education and leisure provision. Students and policy analysts will find its focused case study and institutional analysis good value, while those seeking current program guidance should supplement it with contemporary sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book empirical or theoretical?
Answer. The book is primarily empirical, centered on a case study of young adults in a small industrial village and the institutions that shaped their leisure.

Who authored the study?
Answer. The study was written by John Leigh and originally published in 1971.

Is it suitable for modern policy planning?
Answer. It is useful for historical and comparative perspective but should be paired with recent research for contemporary policy planning.