What does it mean to be an individual and how can an individual exist within society? Serious Leisure and Individuality
examines the circumstances in the modern world that make for individual distinctiveness, and the role of these
conditions in personal and social life.
"The individual," said Friedrich Nietzsche, "has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If
you try
... [Show full abstract] it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning
yourself." Elie Cohen-Gewerc and Robert Stebbins explore the road to finding that privilege. They approach individuality
by examining its relationship to freedom and being free, and by defining and elaborating on the concept of leisure
space. They also look at individuality's place in community, citizenship, and globalization. The complex relationship between
individuality and alienation is put under the microscope to highlight the negative side of being distinctive, which
has adverse consequences for the individual and society.
There are many studies on the modern individual that centre almost entirely on the person facing his local community
and broader society. What is missing in the literature — and what Serious Leisure and Individuality provides — is a
broad, comprehensive examination of individuality, particularly as it is rooted in leisure and the leisure-like areas of work.
