The Impact of Poverty on Recreational Participation: A Phenomenological Study in Ağrı Province

This study examines how individuals experiencing poverty perceive and experience leisure time and the factors shaping their recreational participation. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals living in Ağrı Province, Türkiye. The data were analyzed through content analysis supported by MAXQDA 2020. The findings reveal that poverty shapes recreational experiences through interconnected economic, spatial, psychological, and social constraints. Participants experienced leisure time differently: some had little time available because of work or household responsibilities, while others had time but struggled to use it in meaningful or satisfying ways. Financial hardship was a central barrier, as essential household expenses took priority over recreational activities. Limited recreational facilities, transportation costs, and accessibility barriers further restricted participation. Consequently, recreational activities were generally limited, irregular, and concentrated on low-cost, home-based options. Participants also described frustration, feelings of inadequacy, reduced social contact, and perceived exclusion from certain social and recreational environments. These experiences indicate that recreational disadvantage involves more than limited access to activities; it also concerns restricted choices and difficulties in experiencing leisure as meaningful and socially fulfilling. The study concludes that improving recreational opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals requires more than providing affordable activities; it also involves creating accessible recreational spaces that reflect their everyday living conditions and expanding opportunities for social participation.