Kraus' Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society

Written by Amy Hurd, Denise M. Anderson, and Tracy Mainieri, Kraus' Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society, 12th Edition is an introductory textbook designed for students contemplating careers in recreation and leisure. It provides a foundational overview of the history, evolving concepts, and modern trends within leisure studies.

The content moves from theoretical foundations to professional contexts. Early chapters examine play and psychological aspects, leisure motivation, and sociocultural factors that influence personal participation. The narrative then outlines the historical evolution of recreation alongside the social functions performed by community recreation programs, the broader leisure-service system, and vocational guidance.

To bridge theory and practice, the volume incorporates pedagogical features such as sidebars and case studies addressing contemporary issues facing practitioners today. This instructional framework offers practical context for undergraduate learners examining career options across the expanding field of leisure services.