Gender and Leisure a Sociological Perspective

This paper aims to investigate gender and leisure in Nigeria. The focus was on relationship between gender and leisure. The research was based on the social theory of leisure. It was carried out at Nsukka in Enugu State of Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study and a questionnaire was used for data collection. The sample size was 200 respondents who comprised of different categories of civil servants and are literate. The data wee analysed using frequency distribution and simple percentages. The result of the study revealed that men have more time for leisure than women. Most of the women scarcely have time for leisure but in between domestic chores they read newspaper/magazines and watch television, consequently most of their leisure time is spent at home. Women’s leisure therefore is fragmented. Men on the other hand go to club, read newspaper and do sports. Men engage in both passive and active leisure. The main constraints the women have are the domestic work and their job. For the men their job is the only constraint they have. The results also show that the educational level of the respondents has a significant relationship with their leisure pattern. It also revealed that there are gender differences in leisure pattern. Based on the findings, it is recommended that women should realise that leisure is the time for recreation and should be utilized. In Nigeria, there is need for massive awareness campaign on the benefits of leisure which include good health and increase in productivity.