What is a hobby?
This post analyzes the meaning of hobby and its relationship with hobbies as essential elements of leisure.
According to the RAE (Royal Spanish Academy of Language), a hobby is an “Activity that, as a hobby or favorite pastime, is usually practiced in leisure time”. Curiously, the RAE gives practically the exact definition for the hobby: “Activity that is carried out habitually and for pleasure in leisure time”, and if asked for the plural: hobbies, it refers us to the pursuit. Some people write something that doesn’t exist in Spanish instead of a hobby: recreation.
But in ordinary language, there is occasionally a specific use of hobby not comparable to the pursuit. It is, for example, that of the quest or hobbies of a sports team. On the other hand, a hobby like those mentioned, followed by knowledge and perseverance, would fall squarely into the hobby category. The Oxford dictionary’s definition in English is similar to that of the RAE. Still, it adds the concept of pleasure: “An activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure:”). If you look for the English equivalent of a hobby in the Cambridge dictionary, you will find several meanings, and pursuit appears in “hobby as a hobby”. In Oxford, the quest is equivalent to “liking” or “love”, which in Spanish would equal taste or love for doing something. Doing something as a hobby is “to do it as a hobby”. Therefore, the pursuit is equated to the purse searched out in free time with the addition that it must be persistent.
In doubt, we have titled our page with both meanings and therefore, occasionally, instead of talking about hobbies or hobbies, we will talk about hobbies. Hobbies and interests can be considered leisure activities. Leisure is a concept that encompasses many elements and constitutes a solid sociological discipline, an important public and business activity, where, for example, tourism or theme parks stand out.
The conceptual, economic and sociological importance of leisure underlines, in turn, the interest of one of its most essential branches: hobbies and hobbies. It should be noted that volunteering activities can be included within these activities. Although it is not what is usually understood as a hobby, it has points in common, and that is why we include it on our page. On the other hand, although pets are included in some classifications, we do not believe it is appropriate to consider them a hobby. Except if they participate in carrying out specific activities.
Sometimes it is difficult or impossible to differentiate hobbies with activities that “fill free time“, but in a non-specific or less participatory way, as happens precisely with the most frequent of all free time activities, which is watching TV or other activities. also regular as it is to be with family and friends. The line between a hobby and a pastime, such as doing crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles or simple games on a mobile phone, laptop or computer, is also unclear. In principle, the hobby has greater participation, regularity and emotional intensity. But the English translation of hobby is precisely a hobby.
It is also necessary to separate the hobby from those leisure activities that are satisfactory and participative but occasional or sporadic (holidays, leisure parks, etc…). Of course, we do not believe that satisfying free time activities of a physiological nature can be included in hobbies, such as eating regularly (as opposed to specific aspects such as gastronomy or oenology) or sex (something too complex to be considered a hobby) and, even less, those of addictive origins such as alcoholism or drug addictions.
A hobby is an activity carried out regularly for pleasure and with enthusiasm in leisure time. It is, therefore, an essential branch of leisure activities and is closely related to hobbies and pastimes.
Studying leisure, Stebbins separates what he calls “serious l” insure” from “in “ormal “leisure” (casual “leisure). He differentiates them mainly by the more significant implication that the first one has in all senses. This could also apply to the hobby. They would be “serious” hobbies that require active participation, some learning, significant emotional and time dedication, and perseverance over time. The possible interest of separating this group is that it could be the one that provides the most fantastic psychic and physical benefits to the person who practices it compared to hobbies practised in a more “info” al, inconstant or superficial” way.”
There are other limits of the hobby, somewhat ambiguous, which are its purpose and the economic element. As has been pointed out, the purpose of recreation is pleasure, having a good time, and being excited, unlike activities that could also be hobbies (and quite often end up being) but that are aimed at a different purpose, such as improving physical condition, physical health or mental health. Of course, both goals can be combined, and, for example, gymnastics can be done for pleasure and fun but also because it is thought to be healthy. You can even start doing gymnastics for health, and in the end, it becomes a hobby or vice versa.
Although it is generally stated that the basis of the hobby is the enjoyment derived from its practice, this is not always the case. For example, in reading or watching movies or listening to music, what is fulfilled is that the basis is enjoyment in practice. Like many sports, the end also matters in others, that is, winning the match or competition. In many creative hobbies, the end, the work created and, sometimes, its impact on our environment or at other levels also matter.
Regarding the economic aspect, the hobby, in principle, is an unpaid, amateur activity. Still, if it has some success, it can generate income (sell paintings or earn money for performances, etc…) and even become a profession. To complicate it even more, some people, especially those who have succeeded in the workplace, declare that “my j” b is my hobby”.
In” short, it is a complex issue, and we are not qualified to discuss it in depth. We will deal on our page with valuable hobbies for making the most of our free time.