Abstract
The paper discusses how criminologists have proposed many theories to explain the causes of criminal behaviour; some criminological theories are micro-level theories, which attempt to explain crime with reference to the individual; some criminological theories are meso-level theories, which attempt to explain crime with reference to the individual's interaction with society, and finally, some criminological theories are macro-level, and attempt to explain crime primarily with reference to society, rather than the individual (Sacco and Kennedy, 2008). This paper examines a macro-level theory of crime: Messner and Blau's (1987) theory of routine leisure activities and rates of crime.

From the Paper
"Criminologists have proposed many theories to explain the causes of criminal behaviour. Some criminological theories are micro-level theories, which attempt to explain crime with reference to the individual. Some criminological theories are meso-level theories, which attempt to explain crime with reference to the individual's interaction with society. Finally, some criminological theories are macro-level, and attempt to explain crime primarily with reference to society, rather than the individual (Sacco and Kennedy, 2008). In this essay, a macro-level theory of crime is examined: Messner and Blau's (1987) theory of routine leisure..."

Tags:crime, punishment, society

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that Messner and Blau (1979) set out to apply a routine activities theory approach to try and explain the relationship between macro-level indicators of leisure activities, and the rates of serious crime. The writer looks at any connection between routine leisure activities and crime rates.

From the Paper
"At this point, we may note that Sacco and Kennedy (2002) define leisure as "free time or spare time that is used specifically for recreation or play" (quoted in Cartwright, 2006, 141). We may also note that routine activities theory holds that criminal activities have three necessary aspects: a motivated offender, a suitable and available target, and an absence of capable guardianship (a third party who could intervene)."

Tags:criminology, crime, leisure

Abstract
This paper analyzes the relationship between routine leisure activities and crime. It discusses the activities theory approach and attempts to explain the relationship between macro-level indicators of leisure activities and the rates of serious crime. It also discusses how the way people usually conduct their activities can indicate how likely they are to be victims of crime.

From the Paper
"All in all, it would seem that Messner and Blau (1979) satisfactorily proved their hypothesis. In doing so, they also validated the routine activities theory and Hawley's (1950) human ecology theory. It may also be noted that Cohen and Felson (1979) made a similar hypothesis, using the opportunities for crime aspect of the routine activity theory to predict that crime rates would become higher with greater dispersion of activities away from households and families."
"We can conclude from the above that there is compelling evidence to suggest that the incidence of crime increases in proportion to the amount of time that is spent away from the household."

Tags:victims, guardianship, social

Abstract
In this article, the writer relates that the literature studied indicates that leisure activities and crime are related in a number of complex, meaningful ways. The writer notes that this relationship has been explored by a number of researchers over the past decades, generally with similar findings. The writer points out that many researchers hypothesize that household leisure activities are negatively related to criminal behavior, whereas non-household leisure activities are often positively related to crime. The writer maintains that although general trends have been established, however, based on similar theorizing, the literature indicates that the relationship is not standard and is affected by variables including type of leisure activity, gender, age, time of the day, leisure setting and other demographics. These issues are explored in detail in the paper.

Outline:
Introduction
Messner & Blau's Theory of Leisure Behavior and Crime
Messner & Blau's Study Methods
Messner & Blau's Results
Other Literature Review
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The results of Messner and Blau's study, based on ordinary least-square regressions, revealed that the introduction of leisure activities into the SMSA crime rate model demonstrated significant results, particularly concerning rape, robbery, burglary and larceny. In accordance with previous studies, Messner and Blau found that household activities were negatively related to most of the crimes. The control variables also reiterated that of previous studies - poverty was found to have a significantly positive relationship with crime, racial composition was significant and males tended to be particularly associated with crimes such as homicide and rape. Regional affects regarding robbery and auto crimes were discovered (being lower in volume in southern SMSAs) and, in accordance with only some literature, the high risk 18-24 age bracket was negative for homicide, robbery and assault. Against expectations, daytime television viewing provided stronger results than nighttime data, thought to be attributed to the type of lifestyles daytime television viewing may promote - that is, programs more relevant to criminal opportunities than those offered at prime-time hours."

Tags:relationship, routine, safe, opportunity

Abstract
The paper examines the history of leisure and recreation and shows how in the past 150 years, both the form and the meaning of "free time" has changed dramatically. The paper discusses the importance of leisure to family life and briefly looks at how nature is used for both leisure and economic activities.

From the Paper
"Nature and leisure are integrant parts of individuals' lives, and largely contribute to what sociologists refer to as 'quality of life.' While the importance of nature in human life has been discussed for centuries, the relevance of leisure and recreation is a relatively recent invention of modern society. Of course, this does not mean that in the Middle Ages, for instance, people did not pursue leisure activities. However, these activities were not recognized as leisure, and carried a myriad of names which was subject to several changes throughout the ages. Scholars have often discussed the nature and meaning of leisure. Some (for instance, Kelly 1996, 1999, as cited in Zabriskie, McCormick 284) have suggested that leisure includes a notion of continuity and change which can be accounted for by the two different kinds of activities that individuals engage in throughout their lifetime. In this sense, one style is consistent and relatively accessible with the quality of persisting throughout their entire life whereas the other kind can be defined by variety, and a smaller degree of accessibility, and remains changeable throughout individuals' lifetime. This tendency to alternate change and consistence is reflected, according to most theorists, in human nature thus this interplay of familiarity and novelty in the pattern of leisure activities meets individuals' need for both stability and change."

Tags:nature, family, free, time, social, status

Abstract
This paper traces the concept of leisure in the UK, concentrates on the division by gender especially women and finally analyzes the concept of leisure in Asian Muslim women in Britain.

Abstract
This paper asks the question whether Internet pornography can be considered a leisure activity. The argument is focused on the fact that pornography affects women, individuals, couples, and children. The definition of leisure is defined and the paper goes into detail about how Internet pornography can hurt people, especially women and children.

From the Paper
"Both men and women are finding the Internet as a way to meet new people and many of these people have sex online before they meet to have sex offline. Internet pornography has changed the way people view television: more sexual acts are now shown on television than ever before. Many people will argue that pornography is their business and if they participate in Internet sex as part of their leisurely lives then it is their business, but is it? However, online pornography hurts the individual, the family, and children. By strictest definition, therefore, it cannot be considered a leisure pursuit and anyone watching pornography on the Internet should..."

Tags:internet, pornography, leisure

Abstract
This paper explains that the state of New Jersey demonstrates a steady rise in the rate of crime; however, this rate is considered encouraging as compared to the supposed crime wave and associated growth of crime in the country as a whole. According to the paper, the nature of crime in New Jersey seems to be stabilizing, which suggests that random crime is being addressed and reduced. Therefore, focusing on the New Jersey organized crime, such as gang-related activities, is now the way to reverse this trend. The paper reviews the demographics and stratification of statistical data in interpreting the crime rate. A table of New Jersey crime rates from 1960 to 2006 is included.

From the Paper
"Specific aspects of national comparisons and deductions can also be specifically applied to New Jersey characteristics to inform the perspective that the empirical data provide thereof. National research demonstrates that crimes were more likely to occur between people who knew each other, had a relationship in some form and thus a trust between them was enabled to grow before being exploited and falsified."

Tags:stability, statistics, gang, stratification, ratio

Abstract
This essay will explore the role of leisure (including both recreation and tourism) in present-day society from a comparative, interdisciplinary perspective. It will be argued that to understand how women and men in the Western world today understand and enjoy leisure, we must first grasp the historical origins of the concept. This understanding will allow us to better appreciate how the benefits and constraints that define contemporary leisure activities have come into being.

Tags:role, of, leisure