Do Iranians read fewer books than people in other countries? / Iran’s per capita reading is beyond imagination! Close to the global average, better than Japan and Turkey.

Thought Group: Dr. Ali Asghar Seyedabadi, in an article published on his channel, analyzes and compares the results of the new report “Reading Culture in Iran” (Research Institute for Culture, Art and Communication, Aban month) with global data, and offers a serious critique of the common “media narratives” about the state of reading in the country. It should not be forgotten that any country becomes development-oriented when the strengthening of government and nation occurs simultaneously. From this perspective, attention to leisure time and its expenditure in the area of community empowerment is vital. In any case, Seyedabadi begins by presenting key statistics on reading in Iran, including those who read non-textbook books, per capita reading, book purchasing rates, and in a surprising comparison with the world, refutes common perceptions. He compares these statistics with data from the United States, the European Union, Turkey, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, and in his conclusion, criticizes media narratives and addresses the real challenges. This article is presented below for your consideration. This note is presented below for your consideration:

Today, as the Research Institute for Culture, Art and Communication published a report titled “Reading Culture in Iran,” I was surprised when I wanted to compare its results with studies from other countries. This survey was conducted in Aban month (October/November) of this year. According to this report, compared to the “Cultural Consumption Report” of 2019, we are facing a slight decrease in the rate of reading (non-textbook books) in Iran. Of course, the decrease in reading rates is a global trend, and many countries, even those with a brilliant history in reading, have faced a decline in reading for pleasure. The important point is that usually in national surveys in Iran, age groups under 15 or even under 18 years are not included in the statistical population; whereas these groups usually have a greater share in reading.

In the recent survey, conducted by phone, approximately 41% of respondents stated that they read non-textbook books, and the average daily reading time for the entire country’s population was reported as 10.9 minutes; a figure equivalent to about 66 hours of reading per year. Also, the average number of books purchased (paper, electronic, and audio) was stated to be about 11 volumes per year. A comparison of the number of books purchased and the amount of reading shows that this ratio differs from global ratios, and in Iran, fewer books are purchased, which seems to be due to the country’s economic conditions.

These statistics gain meaning when viewed alongside the global picture, a picture that is surprising enough for me. In the European Union, based on Eurostat surveys, the average daily reading time fluctuates from 2 to 13 minutes, and more than half of citizens have read at least one book in the past year. The noteworthy point here is that reading time in Iran is very close to reading-loving Northern European countries like Finland and Estonia, although the level of public participation in reading in Europe is slightly higher.

In the United States, according to Pew and ATUS data, 75% of adults read a book last year, and the average daily reading time among the entire population is estimated at about 10 to 15 minutes. In fact, the difference between the US and Iran is more in the proportion of readers than in the amount of time reading for pleasure occupies in daily life. In Turkey, according to new data, about 42% of people consider themselves readers, and the average daily reading time is about 7 minutes.

Therefore, a very strong similarity is observed between reading behavior in Iran and Turkey. But perhaps the most surprising case is Japan: a country with a long cultural history of reading, but the latest survey by Japan’s Ministry of Culture shows that about 62% of people have not read any books in the past month; in other words, their reading rate is reported to be lower than Iran’s. In Saudi Arabia, according to the Arabic Reading Index, the average daily reading time is about 7 minutes, and the number of books read annually is reported to be higher, but it should be noted that in many Arabic studies, textbooks and non-textbooks are calculated together; while in Iranian surveys, only non-textbooks are considered.

Comparing Iran with these countries shows that the decline in reading is a global phenomenon, and contrary to popular belief, Iran is in a position close to the global average in terms of the time people spend reading for pleasure. Iran’s situation is even more favorable compared to some countries like Japan and neighboring countries. Consequently, narratives that depict Iran at the bottom of the global reading table are more the product of media representations than based on precise research. Just as in many other subjects, the represented image of Iran is as if it is at the bottom of the table.

Perhaps our serious challenge is the large population of non-readers; those who not only do not buy books but also do not find sufficient opportunity or motivation to join the reading cycle.