Contextual aspects of women's leisure: study 2

The effect of social support on women's leisure was examined for a group of professional career women involved in multiple roles. Data was provided from a survey of 166 employed women in relationship, mothering or caring roles. Leisure appeared to be a legitimate domain in the lives of these women. As in previous research (Deem, 1986; Green et al., 1990) a large percentage of these professional career women had home-centred leisure in the form of reading, or spending time with friends/family/pets. Shifts in leisure trends emerged in relation to travelling and physical activity (gym, aerobics, jogging). More women in the present study reported' participation in these activities in the six months prior to the interview. There were no observed differences among occupational groups (nursing; teaching; business/management; medicine/helping professions) in total leisure, or for participation in specific leisure clusters of sport, cultural-hobbies or social leisure. Overall, the women received low to moderate levels of instrumental/tangible support, but enjoyed moderately high levels of esteem support. Esteem support affected total leisure involvement. Participation rates were higher for women who were respected, valued and accepted by others. Recipients of esteem support had greater involvement in social and cultural hobbies activities. Instrumental social support in the form of physical assistance was linked to greater involvement in outdoor active sports