The space and place of unstructured leisure in rural adolescents of southern Ontario, where small-town Ontario teens hangout and why

Abstract

This study had two objectives: 1) to determine the space of unstructured leisure in rural adolescents through mapping and spatial analysis; and 2) to determine the place of unstructured leisure through the examination of the individually ascribed meanings and values of this behaviour. Four hundred grade IX and X high school students from the Region of Waterloo completed a questionnaire and participated in focus groups to describe both the location and meaning of their unstructured leisure (hangout) behaviour. It was found that the physical location was secondary to the recreational amenities that a given location could provide. However, several prime locations for hanging out were identified as being home/friend's house, school, downtown, the mall and the arena. These locations illustrate the importance of place. Further, it was determined that the primary factors of unstructured leisure were contact with friends and entertainment and activity value. Several secondary factors were identified by the subjects as being of importance to their hangout behaviour such as food and acceptance. Significant gender variations were revealed. The study contends that there is inherent value to the adolescent experience of unstructured leisure. These results encourage continued studies in the area of adolescent space and place.