“Changes to leisure were the most significant social impact of industrialization.” With reference to two countries, to what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that changes to leisure were the most significant social impact of industrialization. Candidates may discuss the significance of developments in transportation, such as railway lines created expressly for tourism. Candidates may discuss the significance of resorts catering to the industrial working class and the impact of industrialization on tourism as evidenced by the founding of Thomas Cook & Son in 1872. Other changes in leisure that may be linked to industrialization include themes in literature, theatrical entertainment and the widespread popularity of sports that led to the formation of the Football Association in 1863. In Japan, the influence of Western customs and fashions on leisure during industrialization also provides a wide range of examples. Candidates may also make connections between the regulation of working hours and the subsequent impact on leisure time, such as the 1871 Bank Holiday Act in the UK. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the social impact of urbanization, changing standards of living, issues relating to health, disease and life expectancy, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required candidates to consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that changes to leisure were the most significant social impact of industrialization. Very few responses were seen.