Nash's Pyramid is a framework for ranking leisure activities, developed by Jay B. Nash. Nash was an early leader in the leisure field. His thinking was influenced by the prevalence of 'Spectatoritis' in America which he defines as, "a blanket description to cover all kinds of passive amusement". The pyramid begins at the ‘spectatoris-type level’ which includes activities that require no critical thought, such as watching television. Leisure activities in higher tiers allow for the participant to develop as a person and are characterised by a higher level of individual engagement. The apex of the pyramid is the 'creative participation' level, where a person uses their own experience to create a new medium. This can include a painting or a composition. Activities which cause harm to either society or the individual, such as crime or gambling, fall below the pyramid. The pyramid was formative in the creation of the 'leisure research' approach in the field of leisure studies. This approach relies heavily on social philosophy. It has become less relevant as contemporary post-modern and post-structural understandings of leisure have relied more on scientific theories and quantitative methods of analysis.
Nash's understanding of leisure, and his pyramid, have been significant in the development of America's physical education program. To equip adults with the tools to lead a happy life, he believed the education curriculum should be sufficiently broad enough to teach children hobbies and skills. From its traditional emphasis on gymnastics and hygiene, the physical education system started to reform in the 1930s to include a greater variety of exercises.
Hierarchy Nash suggests historical perspectives towards leisure justify a new theory on play. A culture of severity and the Protestant reformation led to a de-valuing of leisure time throughout the Middle Ages. It is only with the Industrial Revolution and the mechanisation of work that leisure time could be considered an opportunity for stimulation. When constructing his pyramid, Nash's description of recreation as a, "basic need," is based on two assumptions. Firstly, humans are inherently active. They are most fulfilled when either their body or mind is stimulated, the determination to achieve this state being called the ‘activity drive.’ Secondly, there exists a work–life balance binary and, "leisure alone is not enough to satisfy [the activity drive], neither is work unless it has significance." Industrialisation, through labour-saving technology, routinised the work environment and allowed for more free time. Nash's pyramid suggests that recreation is a ‘need’ because it provides the intellectual and emotional stimulation required by humans. The pyramid orders activities according to their opportunity for personal growth. It begins at a neutral level which describes activities used to "kill time." Any activity falling in the above three tiers, creative, emotional or active participation, provide a fulfilling experience as the participant is allowed an opportunity to be involved in the experience. The criteria for higher-tier activities include those that have an associated ‘inner drive’, contribute to the fullness of life, build stature through self-confidence, include others and allow an individual to relax. Any activity which is of detriment to the self or society, falls below the neutral section. This includes crime and delinquency. The general criteria for low-tier activities is that they undermine health, be routine, be carried on for reward only and be disliked. Where an activity falls within the framework depends on the participant. Individual experiences are unique and people have different reactions to activities.
Creative participation Maker of the Model, inventor, painter and composer The participant creates a new medium from their own experiences. This includes the formation of language, social groups and dance. Nash uses these historical examples to show the importance of tier and how it is human nature to engage in the creative process. To challenge what he sees as society's fear of failure, Nash states, "There is tremendous creative capacity in the common people if only they have the freedom and opportunity to explore, to follow hunches, to find a talent niche.”
Active participation Copying the model, playing the part A participant follows the rules and systems established by a ‘creator’. This could include an athlete playing soccer or an actor performing a script. Nash suggests playing the part forces a unique appreciation for the model which cannot be achieved by just watching.
Emotional participation A person moved to appreciation A participant spectates, and experiences a reaction, to an activity. It is different to just passive watching. Potential responses include being moved to appreciation or experiencing an emotion. The level and extent of engagement depends on the participant's own experiences and emotions.
Spectatoritis type Entertainment, amusement, escape from monotony, killing time – antidote to boredom In this tier, activities do not engage a participant. They are instead an escape from life's routine. Nash suggested society had a tendency to participate in spectator -type activities, limiting the possibility for self-improvement. He called this phenomenon Spectatoritis. He warned that, "by constantly repeating the doses of primitive passive entertainment, man may become an addicts.” Nash suggested the culture of mass media was contributing to the rise of spectatoritis. Radio tends not to be stimulating and only presents one view-point, limiting the potential for critical thinking. Assuming mass media activities are, "properly chosen and properly used," Nash acknowledges they play some role in society. This is because they would require active engagement and belong to a higher tier within the pyramid.
Zero-level Excesses Activities in this tier cause harm against in the individual. It includes drinking and gambling. Nash believed in the development of a social ego within a social group. Individuals, when they chose to be self-preserving, prevent the creation of a social ego and can cause injury to themselves.
Sub-zero level Delinquency, Crime Nash stated crime and delinquency has been glorified. Acts performed against society belong to the lowest tier of the leisure pyramid. They create tension and undermine the social ego.
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