A study on understanding of Leisure time activities among self-help groups females: an Indian perspective

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Leisure is often defined as free time not occupied by work, household duties, or essential activities. Studies have shown that engagement in leisure activities, particularly in peer groups, positively impacts social and self-identity. This study aims to assess the leisure time patterns and activities of Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Varanasi to identify their training needs. Methods: The study was conducted in collaboration with two NGOs in Varanasi, India. A total of 10 SHGs, comprising 184 female members, were purposively selected. Data were collected through structured personal interviews and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0, with the chi-square (χ²) test employed for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of respondents (57.8%) had over four hours of leisure time. Leisure time was significantly higher among NGO-I members, who mainly engaged in activities like bidi rolling, agarbatti making, gossiping, and watching television. In contrast, NGO-II members were more involved in productive activities such as dairying and bead making, as well as sewing and embroidery. Conclusion: The study highlights the varying leisure time patterns and activities among SHG members. It suggests the need for targeted training programs to enhance productive use of leisure time, particularly for women in NGO-I, who tend to engage more in idle activities.