The luxury of leisure in Aboriginal societies: a commentary

• Published in: Annals of leisure research 2021-01, Vol.24 (1), p.6-12
• Main Author: Tatz, Colin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: lack of access; Leisure; protectors of health and suicide; sport
• ISSN: 1174-5398; 2159-6816
• DOI: 10.1080/11745398.2019.1691801

Johan Huizinga (1872-1945), distinguished Dutch historian and philosopher of culture, called the play element in human culture Homo ludens [Huizinga, Johann. 1938. Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play Element in Culture. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul. (1945 edition)]. Play involves time out from work - leisure embracing respite, repose, amusement, fun and games, even watching games. Leisure and physical exertion are key moderators of stress-illness relationships, significantly safeguarding against suicide. For Aborigines it is also an avenue out of anger. Australia's Aborigines once had a multitude of traditional pastimes, most now lost, some re-found [see Edwards, Ken. 2009. "Traditional Games of a Timeless Land: Play Cultures in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities." Australian Aboriginal Studies (2): 32-43]. Many men took to Western sports, excelling in Australian Rules football, boxing, cricket, darts, professional athletics and rugby league. Traditionally, food-gathering was essential but also leisure and pleasure. Whether leisured respite or organized sporting competition, clans beset by serious illness need venues - and Aboriginal access to facilities falls far short of what is needed and what is available to mainstream Australia.