TPCS 15: Leisure reading among adolescents in Beijing

By Peter Broeder, Mia Stokmans and Andrew Wang

Introduction

Reading behaviour among adolescents is a frequent object of study, since many teachers, policy makers, and sometimes also parents are of the opinion that adolescents spend too little of their spare time on reading. These social agents frequently argue that reading behaviour influences reading proficiency. The amount of free reading done in adolescence might explain differences in vocabulary and reading proficiency and ensuing differences in educational careers. Recently, Hui (2007) reported that a survey on Reading and Buying by People across China found that the national reading rate for the first time had fallen below 50% and had been on the decline for six consecutive years. Regular Chinese readers make up some 5% of the total population. Instead of enjoying reading, most Chinese students hate reading from a young age (Hui 2007). The present study investigates in more detail the reading behaviour and the reading attitudes among adolescents in Beijing. The focus is on leisure-time reading by adolescents in secondary education.

How to quote: Broeder, P., Stokmans, M., & Wang, A. (2011). Leisure reading among adolescents in Beijing. (Tilburg Papers in Culture Studies; No. 15).

Read the full working paper here: Leisure reading among adolescents in Beijing.