Important or insignificant? The book in the everyday life of young adults (research report)

Abstract

The results of a nationwide research into reading habits do not instill optimism. It has been found that reading books is not a common cultural standard. This paper attempts at presenting the role of books in the life of the young generation. The author seeks to answer the question whether books constitute an inherent part or merely a tolerated, albeit not necessarily desirable element of everyday life. The analysis is based on the results of an empirical study conducted on a group of young adults aged 18–20, i.e. at a point in life where they complete secondary education and change or have changed their reading preferences. An emphasis is put on the pedagogic perspective (and the related socialization processes) as well as on the role of the environment, i.e. people in the closest social circle, in the development of young adults’ reading habits throughout their lives.