Nash's Pyramid

Nash's Pyramid is a framework for ranking leisure activities, developed by Jay B. Nash. Nash was an early leader in the leisure field. His thinking was influenced by the prevalence of 'Spectatoritis' in America which he defines as, "a blanket description to cover all kinds of passive amusement".[1]

The pyramid begins at the ‘spectatoris-type level’ which includes activities that require no critical thought, such as watching television. Leisure activities in higher tiers allow for the participant to develop as a person and are characterised by a higher level of individual engagement. The apex of the pyramid is the 'creative participation' level, where a person uses their own experience to create a new medium. This can include a painting or a composition. Activities which cause harm to either society or the individual, such as crime or gambling, fall below the pyramid.[2]

The pyramid was formative in the creation of the 'leisure research' approach in the field of leisure studies. This approach relies heavily on social philosophy. It has become less relevant as contemporary post-modern and post-structural understandings of leisure have relied more on scientific theories and quantitative methods of analysis.[3]

Nash's understanding of leisure, and his pyramid, have been significant in the development of America's physical education program. To equip adults with the tools to lead a happy life, he believed the education curriculum should be sufficiently broad enough to teach children hobbies and skills. From its traditional emphasis on gymnastics and hygiene, the physical education system started to reform in the 1930s to include a greater variety of exercises.[4]

Pyramid Interpretation of Nash's Theory of Leisure
  1. ^ Nash, Jay B (1932). Spectatoritis. New York: Sears Publishing Company.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Henderson, Karla A.; Presley, Jacquelyn; Bialeschki, M. Deborah (2004). "Theory in Recreation and Leisure Research: Reflections from the Editors". Leisure Sciences. 26 (4): 411–425. doi:10.1080/01490400490502471. ISSN 0149-0400. S2CID 145588313.
  4. ^ A history of physical education & sport in the United States and Canada : (selected topics). Zeigler, Earle F. Champaign, Illinois. 1975. ISBN 978-0-87563-087-8. OCLC 15919653.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)