NASHS MODEL of the USE of LEISURE TIME (Participation Broadly Interpreted)

Nash, J.B. (1960). Philosophy of Recreation and Leisure. Dubuque, IA. Wm. C. Brown. INFINITY 4 CREATIVE PARTICIPATION 3 ACTIVE PARTICIPATION 2 EMOTIONAL P A R T I C I P A T I O N 1 AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT ESCAPE from MONOTONY, KILLING T I ME Zero I N J U R Y or D E T R I M E N T to S E L F Sub-Zero ACTS PE RFORMED AGAINST SOCIETY J.B. Nash developed this six level model to show the hierarchy of leisure participation based upon the impact that participating has upon the individual and those around her/him. Nash suggests that the use of leisure intelligently and profitably is the most important test of a civilization. All six levels depict participation in activities while an individual is at leisure. The levels depict participation from a neutral position (Amusement, Entertainment, Escape from Monotony and Killing Time), upward to the most desirable (Creative), and downward to least desirable (Acts Against Society). LEVELS 4. Creative Participation Inventors, Painters, Composers At the apex of a triangle that depicts the use of leisure time. On this level, an individual makes the model, writes a book or play, and from experience or imagination creates a pattern. 3. Active Participation Copying the model, Playing the part May be professional or amateur. An actor on the stage interprets the playwright. A player on the field has a role to play in a game someone created. A singer sings the song someone has written and a dressmaker follows a pattern. 2. Emotional Participation A person moved in appreciation When something touches your inner feelings, when someone expresses one of your needs, you feel a part of it.

It may be a play, a song, a movie, a great athletic performance, a work of art or an infinite number of things that one can witness and become emotionally involved in. 1. Amusement/entertainment/Escape from Monotony/Killing time Antidote to boredom This is the base of participation, passive spectatoritis. It can be likened to riding a merry-go-round where the rider gets off where he/she got on. The activities at this level are mechanisms for escape where one can get away from reality momentarily. Nash labels radio, television, movies, cheap literature, popular magazines and comics as mental flophouses. Individuals, who are seeking excitement, sometimes find it in activities that are harmful to themselves or to society. Zero. Injury or Detriment to Self Excesses Examples: Overeating, Gambling, Joy Riding, Abuse of alcohol, Use of illegal drugs, etc... Sub-Zero. Acts Performed Against Society Delinquency Crime Actions may range from littering, graffiti, breaking traffic regulations, vandalism, bookmaking, pornography, gang activities, date rape, to snuff movies and everything in between.