The potential of leisure education to address the ‘wicked problems’ prioritized in <i>A Framework for Recreation in Canada</i>

Abstract

‘Wicked problems’ are social problems that are difficult to solve because of complex interdependencies and incomplete, contradictory, or changing requirements that are often difficult to identify. While challenging to define and solve, focusing on wicked problems offers an opportunity for the recreation sector to wrestle with significant persistent social problems and to contribute to change. Addressing wicked problems requires innovative and flexible approaches along with collaborations, knowledge transfer, and knowledge integration that cross disciplinary and agency boundaries. Examples of the ways leisure education can be part of the solution to problems of sedentary behaviour and family poverty are provided to demonstrate its potential to contribute to addressing wicked problems.