Assignment: Describe Problems Related to Women and Leisure (Essay Sample)

Problems Related to Women and Leisure
Name
University Affiliation
Problems Related to Women and Leisure
The previous decades have witnessed a significant shift in the expectations of women, which have transformed their lives completely. Evidently, more women have joined the workforce to better their living standards and provide for their families. As well, women have embraced the need to live healthy lifestyles to enhance their health and social well-being. As a result, the perceptions and views of the society are changing to accommodate the dynamic nature of women. Factors such as the quest for a fitness-oriented lifestyle and the need for increased participation in leadership motivate women to engage in recreational activities. The success story of Oprah Winfrey and her recreations provide insight into the problems faced by women in their leisure time. For instance, lack of time, cultural connotations and diversity, disinterest in physical activity, and gender differences affect the leisure experiences of women.
Certainly, recreation plays an integral role in bolstering the quality of life in women. According to the studies by Hickerson (2007), one of the primary motivations of women to engage in leisure activities includes boosting their health status and social welfare. Moreover, most women have realized the urge to embrace a fitness-oriented lifestyle to curb the prevalence of diseases that limit the quality of their lives. Besides, some women engage in leisure activities to attain a positive body image, which improves their self-confidence and perspectives about life (Henderson & Gibson, 2013). However, some of the problems that impede their involvement in leisure activities include:
Disinterest in Physical Activities
The reduced interest of physical activity compared to men is a major issue that hinders women participation in recreational activities such as sport and exercise programs. Henderson & Gibson (2013) discovered that during the early stages of women development, much of their attention delves into their social lives. However, Oprah Winfrey engaged in fitness and exercise activities to stabilize her weight. In most of her bibliographies and shows, she is candid about her weight issues and challenges women to watch their weight despite their busy schedules (Illouz, 2003). As well, the lack of time is another reason women do not engage in physical activities and other recreational services (Miller & Brown, 2005). In essence, most women spend the day at the workplace and return home to care for their families.
Cultural Diversity and Connotations
In the past, the societal perception of different cultures such as the whites and the African Americans concerning women indulging in leisure depicted irresponsibility and immorality. Women were required to be indoors caring for their husbands and children. In her bibliography, Oprah Winfrey explains becoming a victim of sexual harassment from the whites and some of her relatives (Nagle, 2007). The modern day society has different perspectives concerning the leisure activities of women. For white women, leisure time entailed an avenue of releasing frustrations and relaxing the mind. However, for African American women, it provided the platform for exploitation by the whites.
Increased Gender Differences
Oprah Winfrey recalls in her bibliographies the instances she excelled more than her male counterparts in leisure activities. An example includes the public speaking contest where she emerged the winner (Illouz, 2003). Despite surprising many men, the gesture acted as a perfect platform to showcase how women get empowered through outdoor adventures. It boosts their interpersonal skills and widens the scope of their perceptions about life. Contrarily, an increased gender gap has limited the access to outdoor activities by women. Hickerson (2007) observed that a majority of men participated in outdoor leisure activities compared to women. Such a disparity arises since gender roles have restrained women from engaging in su...