Building on more than ten years of interdisciplinary research at the University of Freiburg, this volume offers the first comprehensive overview of "Muße" ('otium' or 'dignified leisure') and its societal relevance. As a time of temporary relief from society's demands for productivity, otium enables freedom and creativity - but, controversially, only for some. Such freedom, which can generate social critique as well as new productivity, is not without its preconditions: it is always surrounded by certain expectations and ideas of the good life ascribed to specific groups in society.