This introductory textbook discusses the major theories and debates within the sociology of leisure. Illustrated throughout with real-world examples, the new edition has been completely re-written to take into account new developments in the area. Subjects covered include: how leisure is changing in post-modern times; how and why work-life balance has become an important issue; whether women are still the disadvantaged sex in respect of access to leisure; whether leisure has answers to the problems of ageing populations, and whether leisure-based lifestyles are becoming significant sources of social and personal identity. The book also examines whether leisure is being over-whelmed by commercialised consumer cultures.