GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RECREATIONAL PATTERNS OF ADULT WORKING SINGAPOREANS

Abstract

Singapore is a city state that is facing rapid changes. Over the past twenty Years, the economy has enjoyed a high level of growth and development. In turn, the pace and quality of life of the people have changed. With an increase in affluence and a more hectic work pace, greater emphasis is being placed on leisure and recreation to counteract the stresses of fast living. Leisure lifestyle, where leisure is an important component of everyday life, is becoming the pursuit of all Singaporeans and the interest of the state for the people. Given such emphasis, actions have been taken by state planners and private developers to attain an environment where recreational opportunities are made easily accessible to all. As a result, the provision of recreational facilities has intensified over the years. Unfortunately, leisure and recreation experience of the people have not been well understood yet, especially with regard to the significance of various sociological variables on leisure experience which in turn affects the utilization of the facilities. In this study, the different leisure and recreation experiences of men and women, in the context of Singapore, are examined. The recreational patterns of males and females are examined and compared with regard to choices of recreational activities, distance travelled for recreation, types of destinations chosen, frequency of participation in recreation and time of the day when recreation is undertaken. The factors that affect their recreational patterns are also discussed. The information derived provides a useful basis for future recreational planning to better serve the recreational needs of Singaporeans, both men and women.