The term "leisured class" refers to a social group of people who have enough wealth to not need to work for a living, and can thus devote their time to leisure activities. It is pronounced /ˈlɛʒərd ˌklæs/, with the phonetic symbols representing the sounds "LEZHUH-D klass". The word "leisured" is spelled with an "e" between the "s" and "u" to indicate that the stress is on the second syllable, and the final "d" in "leisured" is pronounced to distinguish it from the word "leisure".
The term "leisured class" refers to a social group or segment of society that has a substantial amount of free time and the ability to pursue leisure activities without the constraint of occupational or financial obligations. Typically associated with individuals who possess considerable wealth or have inherited a high social standing, the leisured class is characterized by a lifestyle that prioritizes leisure, recreation, and cultural pursuits.
Members of the leisured class are often able to engage in activities such as traveling, engaging in hobbies, attending social events, and participating in cultural and artistic endeavors. Their financial resources and lack of work-related demands afford them the luxury of time to enjoy these pursuits. They are often distinguished by their ability to devote themselves to personal pleasure, intellectual stimulation, and personal growth.
Historically, the leisured class has been associated with societal privilege, as they are often exempt from the pressures of survival, manual labor, or economic struggle. However, in contemporary society, the concept of the leisured class can also extend to individuals who prioritize and make intentional choices to prioritize leisure and recreation in their lives, regardless of their financial means.
It is worth noting that the leisured class can also face criticism or skepticism from other sections of society, as their idleness or lack of productivity may be seen as unproductive or wasteful. However, the leisured class often plays significant roles as patrons of the arts, culture, and philanthropy, contributing to the overall enrichment of society.
The term "leisured class" is derived from the word "leisure" combined with the word "class". The word "leisure" originates from the Old French word "leisir" meaning "to be permitted" or "to permit". It further traces back to the Latin word "licere" which means "to be allowed". The concept of "leisure" refers to free time or time that is not occupied by work or other essential activities, allowing individuals to pursue activities or interests of their choice. When combined with the word "class", it refers to a social group or category of people who have the luxury of having ample leisure time due to their social or economic position. The term "leisured class" is often associated with individuals who do not need to engage in manual labor or work excessively to fulfill their basic needs and can afford to engage in recreational or pleasurable activities.