Using Gilles Lipovetsky Concepts to Frame Leisure Studies in the Hypermodern Age

Over the past decades, numerous researchers and practitioners have been observing changes—in certain cases drastic ones—with regard to leisure. Nevertheless, it can often be difficult to more broadly conceptualize these transformations, as they affect various spheres of life. The work of French philosopher and essayist Gilles Lipovetsky can shed some light on the matter, as it proposes a fundamental examination of the transition from modernity to postmodernity, and from there to our current hypermodernity period. Unfortunately, only very few of his writings have been translated into English. As such, the purpose of this article is to introduce, analyze, and discuss Lipovetsky’s major works from the perspective of leisure. Among other things, this examination will bring to light specific conceptual anchor points that are relevant for studying the leisure subject, as well as updating the various analytical anchors that connect leisure to the consumer society.