Popular Recreational, Leisure Time Activities, and Trends in the 1970's

The 70's gave rise to music such as; Hip-Hop, Reggae, Funk, and a multitude of diverse rock genres.

The Cinema was popular in the 70's, with multiple Hollywood classics coming out during the decade such as; Jaws, Rocky, and Star Wars.

  

Day time game TV shows saw a rise of interest in the 70's with game shows Family Feud and Hollywood Squares seeing their peak viewing during this decade.  Bob Barker also began hosting the Price Is Right in 1972. 

 

Video Games were invented in 1972, the first video game being Pong.  

   

The Social Environment During the 1970's

The Vietnam War was more heavily protested during the 70's, with tensions boiling over May 4, 1970 at Kent State when an anti-war protest turned violent and the national guard killed 4 students and injured 9 more.  

There was a big movement towards preserving nature and the first Earth day was celebrated in 1970.  

Oil was scarce in the 70's with most countries having to resort to rationing out gasoline to its citizens during periods of severe scarcity.  

How Society viewed Leisure During This Time

Since this was not a time of economic prosperity, people weren't spending as much money on lavish vacations so most people were finding leisure time activities close to home.  Stuff like going to the movies and watching TV were common because it was close to home and cheaper.  Even driving your car could be a pain in the 70's due to the multiple oil shortages.  So overall, society looked at leisure as those windows of time when you don't have to worry about your car about to run out of gas, or your bank account, or the multiple wars going on and just relax and watch your favorite TV program or listen to your favorite song.