Farm women and the meaning of work and leisure: An oral history perspective

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Abstract
Work and leisure have generally been considered separate aspects of people's lives. However, for many women, the integration of work and leisure has been necessary to find meaning in life. In this qualitative oral history study of rural farm women, retrospective data were obtained about the perceptions of life on the farm during the past fifty years. Five major themes emerged in this study: (1) the work of the women was time‐consuming and never‐ending, (2) childcare was a necessary work responsibility, (3) work was often infused with other social and community responsibilities, (4) work was valued and enjoyed, and (5) lack of free time or leisure was not a problem. These farm women found meaning and leisure through an integration of work, family, and community experiences.

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