Reading+Class+in+the+21st+Century

This article discusses current s ociological research on reading, which formerly focused on literacy, now conceptualizes reading as a social practice. This review examines the current state of knowledge on (// a // ) who reads, i.e., the demographic characteristics of readers; (// b // ) how they read, i.e., reading as a form of social practice; ( // c // ) how reading relates tel electronic media, especially television and the Internet; and (// d // ) the future of reading.It c oncludes that a reading class is emerging, restricted in size but disproportionate ininfluence, and that the Internet is facilitating this development.