Introduction: The complexity of leisure is evident in the diverse concepts and models developed across various academic fields. In occupational therapy, some foundational assumptions require reconsideration to move beyond dichotomous and individualistic perspectives that emphasize leisure as merely free and pleasurable time.
Objectives: This study investigates youth participation in rap battles in a Brazilian capital and, through empirical analysis, proposes an explanatory theory of the leisure experience and the motivation to engage.
Methods: The research employs the Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology. Data collection combined two approaches: participant observation and individual territorial follow-ups. Participant observation took place during two rap battles organized by youth, while the territorial follow-ups focused on three young MCs. The data analysis process included initial, focused, and axial coding stages.
Results: Key categories linked to participation included racism and institutional support, as well as playfulness and sociability within the leisure experience. The findings discuss how racism perpetuates violence, deprivation, social vulnerability, weakened societal bonds, and restricted participation for low-income Black youth. Simultaneously, it also drives the creation of alternative practices for sociability, identity affirmation, learning, and advocacy for recognition.
Conclusion: Leisure is framed as a holistic occupational experience, with its meanings shaped by the intersection of activities connected to work, education, community engagement, urban mobility, and public safety. The central aspect of the leisure experience is identified as playfulness, encompassing self-expression, territorial engagement, play/ritual elements, and sociability.