Differentiation of leisure time budget of residents of border municipalities in Poland

Purpose: This article presents selected factors differentiating the possession of leisure time among residents of Polish municipalities bordering Germany. Particular attention was paid to the impact of the Covid pandemic on changes in the perception of the amount of leisure time and the barriers determining the limitation of leisure time among the residents of border municipalities in three Polish voivodeships: West Pomieranian, Lubusz and Lower Silesian. A complementary goal was to analyze the literature on the category of leisure time. Design/Methodology/Approach: The empirical part was based on a survey conducted using the CATI method on a group of 1,068 residents of border municipalities in Poland. The survey was conducted on a representative group of people while maintaining a purposive-quota selection of respondents taking into account characteristics such as age, gender and place of residence. The theoretical part of the article is based on a review of the literature on defining leisure time. Findings: The analysis of the study showed that the increase in leisure time during the Covid pandemic was felt more often by women than men, and those over 60 years of age were most likely to notice no difference (40.8%). Respondents who were at the beginning of their careers (those aged 18-29) were the most burdened by work responsibilities, of whom almost half reported no increase in leisure time. The main barriers to leisure time in the municipalities of the Lower Silesian and Lubusz Voivodeships were care for children and other family members, and in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, professional work. Activities defined as active reaction did not change significantly compared to the period before the Covid pandemic. Passive recreation activities have increased. Practical Implications: Knowledge of the factors differentiating the possession of leisure time by residents of border municipalities in Poland may contribute to local policy actors taking measures aimed at the proper use of leisure time by residents. These activities may improve the quality of life of residents, increase recreational activities of selected groups, which may indirectly contribute to socio-economic development. Originality/Value: Previous studies related to leisure time are mostly of a very general nature and mainly concern its gender differentiation. Considering the leisure time budget in the context of an individual's perception of it and the impact of emergencies (Covid-19 pandemic) on its quantity and quality, along with an analysis in spatial terms (place of residence), provides a new perspective on the problem.