Abstract

A conceptual framework based on the socialisation function and attraction of games was applied to the involvement of inactive married women in a program of physical fitness training. The recent increase in the prevalence of such programs in contemporary communities suggested an underlying motivation for involvement - hence the adaptation of the game socialisation model. In this regard, three orientations to self, based on Miyomotos interpretation of social motivation were employed: the cognitive (fitness), the evaluative (appearance) and the affective (pleasure) orientations of the activity outcomes to self. It was found that rankings of orientations vary systematically with: activity type (in this instance squash, swimming, calisthenics); age, years married; and the perception of female role (as wife or mother). With increase in age, years married, and wife to mother self-perception, a concomitant shift from evaluative (appearance) to affective (pleasure) orientation occurs, while the cognitive (fitness) orientation remains relatively constant. Implications of the results for the sociology of leisure are presented with particular reference to female leisure activities. Verf.-Referat