Comparison of leisure preferences of young readers and non-readers in Spain

Abstract

The aims of this study are: to describe the leisure patterns of young Spaniards (15-20 years old) who have reading among their favourite leisure activities; compare the leisure patterns of readers with those of non-readers and identify the existence of different leisure patterns among female and male readers. A representative sample of 2694 non-university post-compulsory education students was selected. They answered a questionnaire about their leisure time. The results show that the readers are few compared to non-reading population, but their involvement in reading is high. Significant differences were identified between leisure preferences of readers and non-readers. There is an important influence of gender in the study of reader leisure profiles. The leisure profiles of female and male readers are very different. Synergies between reading and sports leisure in girls and between electronic leisure and reading in boys were detected. Further studies are needed to know in depth the role of reading in the complex system of young people leisure activities.