Why Do We Go on Holiday? A Sociological Take on Leisure and Escape

 From package tours to ‘finding yourself’ — what does your holiday say about society?

Why Do We Go on Holiday? A Sociological Take on Leisure and Escape

Sunshine, sandy beaches, sightseeing tours — holidays are often seen as a simple break from work. But from a sociological perspective, going on holiday is much more than just rest and relaxation. It’s about identity, status, ritual, and even resistance.

Let’s explore what motivates us to pack our bags — and what a holiday says about who we are and how society works.

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🧠 1. Functionalism – The Need to Recharge

From a functionalist viewpoint, leisure — including holidays — plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of society.

• We work, we get tired, we need a break.

• Holidays restore our energy, keeping us productive.

• They reinforce social bonds (family holidays) and support social order.

Emile Durkheim might argue that holidays serve as a kind of collective ritual, reinforcing social norms and giving people space to reconnect.

🏡 Think of the traditional British summer holiday — it’s practically an institution.

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🪩 2. Marxism – Escaping, but Not for Long

From a Marxist perspective, holidays are a way to temporarily escape alienation caused by capitalist labour.

• We’re told to “treat ourselves” — but only when we’ve earned it.

• Travel and leisure become commodities, sold to us as a reward.

• The holiday industry profits from our desire to escape the very system it’s part of.

Holidays are marketed as freedom — but are often just a short break from returning to the same pressures of work and consumption.

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🧳 3. Postmodernism – Constructing the Holiday Identity

In the postmodern world, holidays are about self-expression and identity.

• We don’t just go on holiday — we curate the experience.

• Instagrammable destinations, travel blogs, #vanlife — holidays become social capital.

• We seek authenticity, individualism, and narrative.

A short trip to Bali becomes a personal brand. A weekend in Cornwall becomes a wellness retreat. Postmodern thinkers argue holidays are no longer just leisure — they’re performative acts.

✈️ “You are what you post — even on holiday.”

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 4. Feminism – Who Gets to Rest?

From a feminist perspective, holidays also highlight gendered divisions of labour:

• Women often do the bulk of holiday planning, packing, and child care — even when “on holiday”.

• Solo travel is empowering for some, but riskier for others.

• Access to leisure is still influenced by gender roles, safety, and domestic expectations.

Feminist sociologists ask: Who truly gets to relax — and who’s still working, just in a different setting?

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🌍 5. Globalisation – Where Do We Go, and Why?

Globalisation has reshaped travel:

• Budget airlines make global travel more accessible (to some).

• Cultural tourism markets “exotic” places to Western tourists.

• Tourism shapes economies and local identities, often reinforcing inequalities.

Sociologists explore how holidaymakers interact with local communities — and whether travel is mutually enriching or exploitative.

🍹 Are we sipping cocktails in a resort while the locals earn minimum wage in service jobs?

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🎓 Perfect for A-Level Sociology Topics:

This topic can link with:

• Culture and identity

• Social stratification

• The role of the media

• Leisure and consumption

• Feminist and Marxist critiques of capitalism

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👓 Holiday? Or Sociological Case Study?

Next time you head off on a break, consider:

• Who’s working to make your holiday happen?

• What messages does the location send about class, race, or culture?

• How much is your holiday about escape — and how much about status?

Sociology helps us dig deeper — even when we’re lying on a sunbed.

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📚 Want to Think Differently?

At Philip M Russell Ltd, we teach A-Level Sociology through real-world examples and critical thinking. Whether it’s travel, TikTok, or Tesco, we help students analyse the society around them — not just memorise names and dates.

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