Leisure in a Social Context

As cities become increasingly diverse, leisure activities and public events offer unique opportunities to bridge divides, creating spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding across disparate social, cultural, and demographic groups. The professorship will explore how leisure practices can contribute to reducing polarisation by promoting inclusive participation and ensuring that marginalised voices are heard and valued.

This professorship emphasises a multi- and transdisciplinary approach to understanding leisure as a vehicle for social cohesion, focusing on how it can be leveraged to counteract the fragmentation of societies. The research team, composed of both experienced scholars and emerging voices, will work collaboratively to identify and address the complex challenges posed by socio-economic disparities, cultural differences, and the diverse relationships citizens have in urban settings. Through co-created, innovative solutions, the team will aim to not only study these dynamics but also actively contribute to policy and practice that promotes a more inclusive and cohesive society, through research and education.

By integrating diverse perspectives and fostering inclusive spaces for engagement, this professorship will actively contribute to mitigating the effects of increasing polarisation, ultimately helping to shape more resilient and connected communities in an era of profound social transformation.