A Qualitative Case Study on Cultural Participation as Serious Leisure: Focused on an Amateur Adults Choir in Hunan, China

This study investigates the cultural and social implications of leisure participation among choir members aged 50 and above in China, through the lens of Robert Stebbins’ Serious Leisure concept. By exploring their experiences in cultural and artistic activities, as well as their behavioral characteristics, this study aims to uncover the broader sociocultural meanings embedded in their leisure participation. Employing a qualitative case study approach, this research focuses on elderly choir members aged 55 to 69 who are actively involved in a choir in Hunan, China. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants to gain insights into their motivations, challenges, and collective engagement in choir activities. The findings reveal that, despite physical aging, psychological stress, and external challenges, participants maintained strong motivation for continued engagement by fostering a sense of collective responsibility and mutual support within the group. Their leisure participation was driven by perseverance and personal effort, which ultimately led to self-actualization and the acquisition of social capital in later life. Furthermore, choir activities cultivated a unique group culture centered on reciprocal support and care, reinforcing a strong sense of community among members. The collectivist cultural values of Chinese society further strengthened this process, contrasting with the more individualistic leisure models observed in Western societies. This study provides theoretical insights into how elderly individuals reconstruct their social roles and practical implications for improving the quality of life in aging societies by emphasizing the significance of social integration, group cohesion, and intergenerational engagement.