Analysis Of Leisure Time Patterns In Elite Athletes And Their Relationship With Economic And Cultural Capital

In lifestyle studies, leisure activities can be considered as consisting in the individual freedom choices. There is a positive relationship between leisure activities and social identity. In general, there have also been various differences in economic, social, cultural aspects and age groups among people in the society on spending leisure time. This study aims to investigate leisure time and recreation patterns of elite athletes and its relationship with economic and cultural capitals. At first, we conducted qualitative interviews with 12 coaches and athletes and developed subject analysis of leisure time patterns and elite athletes’ recreation patterns. Then, the sub-themes of qualitative analysis changed to questionnaire. 285 samples out of 1100 women and men league players in fields of soccer, volleyball, and basketball were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire. We used exploratory factor analysis in order to summarize Leisure variables including public, private, active and passive. Then, using cluster analysis, respondents were classified in four clusters: closed, family-centered, distinctive and virtual. Closed cluster comprised athletes that tend to spend their leisure time in private and passive activities. Family-centered clusters were more eager on spending their leisure time in public, private and active activities with their family members and other close relatives. Athletes were more active in distinctive cluster and liked to be in center of attention. An important feature of the virtual cluster was being passive. There is also a significant difference in four clusters in economic and cultural capitals. It can be said that distinct features of athletes lead to developing different patterns in their leisure time.