LEISURE IN LATIN AMERICA:

REFLECTIONS FROM A DECOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Based on the scientific literature on leisure in Latin America, this theoretical essay aims to reflect on Latin American reality and memory, through a cultural and decolonial understanding of leisure in this territory. To this end, it is organized into two subtopics: Contextualizing Latin America and Leisure in Latin America. We understand that the theoretical essay is a reflective presentation, based on the researchers' interpretation, in light of the existing literature on the topic. Since leisure brings together historical, socioeconomic, political, cultural and ethnic-racial particularities of the context in which it occurs, we deal with leisure in Latin America highlighting social justice, in an attempt to seek a different perspective, capable of exalting and maintaining memory and the struggle of the colonized people. By turning our attention to decolonial studies, we emphasize the importance of giving visibility to the territory and the people who lived and live here, legitimizing their knowledge and experiences, especially in the area of ​​leisure and its relevant role in the process of social transformation.