Although it provides a strictly female view this research provides valuable insight into the cultural perception of leisure in India. Before conducting their interviews, researchers Susan C. Tirone and Susan M. Shaw sought advice from a professor from the Indo-Canadian community, familiar with qualitative research methods. She explained that using terms like leisure, hobbies and recreation would probably be misunderstood or interpreted differently by these women. The researchers simply asked the women questions about how they spent their time rather than asking them to differentiate between their leisure and their work. The ten women all expressed discomfort with the Western concept of leisure as a time to escape.
Family is the central concept of social behavior in India.
All importance for the individual revolves around the family. We never like to leave our daughter on Saturdays or Sundays. That is something you will probably find common among Indian families. We have a real hang up about taking time off for yourself. We don't at all feel comfortable leaving her because we feel she is left after school at the day care.