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Huizinga's theory of play

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American society places much emphasis on merit through work. Vacation periods in the U.S. are the shortest among industrialized nations. Many argue that advanced technology has only busied people's lives further, instead of alleviating the time necessary to complete day-to-day tasks.

I have to complete the following:

Examine Huizinga's "Play Theory." Why is play differentiated from other activity? What makes play, "play" and not just another activity one does in the day?
Considering this theory, evaluate how culture influences your play and leisure time.

Please provide references.

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Huizinga's theory of play is clearly reference and explained in this guide.

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Huizinga theory of play:

Johan Huizinga, in the theory of play, provides the concept of play and its relevance in human affairs. In the theory of play, Huizinga discusses that play and culture are linked. He states that culture is developed and maintained through play and that evolution in play also leads to changes in culture. Artistic enterprises are organized due to competition and this leads to play becoming increasingly elaborate and structured (Masters, 2008). This is because play becomes formalized and rules are established, therefore play shifts into a normative role. The play community is the tool through which play changes into culture.

Through the theory, play can be termed as an activity shared by players who find the activity enjoyable, and that players are free to do whatever they want (McDonnell, n.d). Through play, participants feel together but are apart since ...

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