Economic Development & Leisure (DP IB Geography)

Revision Note

Economic development and leisure

  • There is a positive correlation between economic development and participation in sports

  • As countries develop, there is a change in leisure activities

  • As a person’s income increases, a television is one of the first appliances people purchase

World map showing the introduction of television by country, ranging from 1939 and before to 2000s and after, with some areas having no data or no television. Key included.
Television ownership by country
  • In newly emerging countries, people often work long hours, leaving little time to complete leisure activities

  • In HICs, leisure activities vary with age and stage in the family life cycle

Flowchart with six stages detailing financial and personal status changes over time, from few burdens and budget holidays to potential loneliness and need for affection.
Family life cycle

Case Study: Saudi Arabia

  • Over two-thirds (67%) of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 35 years of age

  • To encourage more tourism Saudi Arabia now has an e-visa to simplify tourism

  • Saudi Arabia made sports a priority in 2016 as part of the 2030 Vision Programme

  • There are three main objectives of this vision

    • Achieve a 40% participation rate by encouraging engagement

    • Develop Saudi elite performance athletes at international competitions

    • Grow and empower the sports community

  • Saudi Arabia has invested $1.8billion in the sports industry

  • In 2019, Saudi Arabia spread awareness of more than 50 sports

  • Mass participation and activity levels have increased to 23% from 13% in 2015

  • Saudi Arabia is now home to 9 international sporting events, such as the WWE Super Showdown and Formula E

  • Saudi Arabia is undertaking the construction of a new $100 million Olympic village in the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh

  • Saudi Arabia is constructing Qiddiya which: 

    • Aims to position itself as a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors globally

    • Focuses on developing a range of tourism-specific attractions, such as theme parks, cultural experiences, and entertainment facilities

    • Seeks to contribute significantly to economic diversification by fostering tourism as an alternative to the oil industry

    • Aims to create a substantial number of jobs within the tourism industry, including roles in hospitality, travel, and entertainment

    • Aspires to be a hub for cultural and recreational tourism, offering diverse experiences that showcase Saudi culture and heritage

Engagement in Sport and Leisure in Saudi Arabia

Factor

Impact on engagement in sport and leisure

Historical Constraints

Traditionally, Saudi Arabia had strict societal and cultural norms that limited women's participation in public sports and recreational activities

Women faced legal and social restrictions. Their access to sports facilities and events was highly regulated

Recent reforms

Saudi Arabia has implemented a series of reforms aimed at increasing women's participation in sports and leisure

The government has introduced initiatives to encourage physical activity among women, recognizing the importance of sports for health and well-being

Sports education and facilities

Efforts have been made to enhance sports education for women in schools and universities

Sports facilities for women have been established, including dedicated gyms and sports clubs

International participation

Saudi Arabia has started sending female athletes to international competitions, such as the Olympic Games

Challenges and opportunities

Conservative attitudes and the need for continued cultural change remain

Opportunities for women to engage in sports and leisure are expected to expand further with ongoing initiatives and reforms

Case Study: USA

  • The USA has a population of over 331 million people

  • Participation rates in sports and leisure activities are high

    • In 2022, 95% of people engaged in sport or leisure activities on a daily basis

    • The rates of engagement are slightly higher for men than women

  • Engagement in physical activity has been at around 73% over the last two decades

  • There is a link between income and activity levels

    • People with incomes below $25,000 are less likely to engage in physical activities - 60%

    • People with higher income levels of over $75,000 are more likely to engage in physical activity - 80%

Engagement in Sport and Leisure in the USA

Factor

Impact on engagement in sport and leisure

Leisure time increases

American adults have gained 4-9 extra hours per week of leisure time since the 1960s due to shorter working weeks

Impact on Low-Wage Earners

Low-wage earners have experienced a more significant increase in leisure time 

Single-Person Households

In 2022, about 30% of households in the U.S. were single people

High Wage vs. Low Wage Workers

High-wage workers may allocate a higher proportion of income to eating out, while the low-wage group is less likely to eat out

The average American household spends $3,008 per year on dining out

Income Inequality Growth

Income inequality has risen significantly, with the wealthiest 1% accounting for over 20% of wealth in 2010, compared to 1% in 1969

Black-White Income Gap

A median Black household income is 61% of median White household income in 2018

Ethnic Variation in Leisure Activities

Research has shown leisure activities show some ethnic variation, with differences likely tied to education and wealth

71% of whites, 60% of African Americans, and 56% of Hispanics reported playing video games

Shift to Individualized Leisure

Team sports participation has declined, while jogging and health club attendance have increased, reflecting a shift towards more individualized leisure

Student Leisure Habits

Students spend, on average, 15 hours per week watching television and about 5 hours per week participating in organized activities

Changes in Facility Size

Cinemas and theatres are being replaced by multiplexes. Home TVs have increased in size. Online TV streaming has increased; e.g., Netflix had over 77 million subscribers in 2022

Evolution of leisure

In the 19th century, leisure was often at home and the 20th century saw a shift to cinemas, theatres, restaurants, and sports matches

In the early 21st century, there is a trend towards more home-based leisure, such as online streaming services or hobbies

COVID-19 saw an increase in leisure options being promoted, such as streaming exercise programmes

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