Swedes Express Desire for Increased Reading Habits

In light of ongoing discussions surrounding the reading crisis in Sweden, the Swedish Publishers' Association has released the Bokbarometern report, in collaboration with researchers Ann Steiner and Karl Berglund, which delves into the reading habits of the Swedish population.

For many Swedes, reading books and listening to audiobooks are integral components of their cultural consumption. According to the report, more than half of the Swedish population engages in reading or listening to books at least a few times each week, while over two-thirds do so at least monthly.

However, a notable variation in reading habits exists across different age groups. Young adults aged 18 to 29 exhibit the lowest reading frequency among all surveyed demographics. A striking finding from the report indicates that a majority of Swedes express a desire to read more than they currently do, with 86% of individuals in the 18 to 29 age bracket stating they wish to increase their reading.

The primary reasons cited for not reading more frequently include a lack of time, competition from other media, and a general sense of fatigue. Researchers have noted that there is a risk of reading being perceived as a duty rather than a pleasurable activity. This dichotomy between the ideal of reading and actual behavior has not been previously highlighted.

Methodology of the Study

• The Bokbarometern report is based on a survey conducted by Kantar Media, including 1,003 randomly selected Swedes aged 18 to 84.
• The Swedish Publishers' Association supports this report, which is intended to be published annually.
• This research was conducted in collaboration with Ann Steiner, a professor of literary studies, and Karl Berglund, an associate professor of literature at Uppsala University.

The findings of this report underscore the ongoing conversation about reading habits in Sweden and the challenges faced in fostering a culture of reading among younger generations.