Stereotypes associated with reading

In 2007 the UK Literacy Trust undertook a piece of research, reported in a study called "Young people's self-perceptions as readers" http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/research/reader_selfperception.html


From the opening of the Executive Summary :

What does a typical teen reader look like ?

What do they think reading says about them ?

Recent developments in literacy teaching and research have tended to focus on the technical aspects of reading. However, studies continue to highlight the importance of the affective aspects of reading, such as motivation and attitudes, and the reader self-concept.

This study of over 1,600 Key Stage 2 (KS2) and Key Stage 3 (KS3) pupils explored young people’s perceptions of themselves as readers and aimed to challenge assumptions of what it means to be a reader. Some of the key questions explored in this survey included

• the extent to which young people see themselves as readers
• what it means to them to be a reader
• what characteristics they typically assign to readers
• what materials a reader enjoys and the extent to which these perceptions are shaped by their family, friends and school.
  

A 2008 School Library Journal article, An extreme makeover : Let's reverse the negative stereotypes associated with reading http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6582315.html Michelle Gorman refers to the study and goes on to make four good suggestions to contribute to a reading revolution makeover :

1. Redefine reading so that it is more than an activity with a book.
2. Encourage teachers to incorporate newer, more modern YA fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels into their existing curriculum.
   
3. Take a cue from Stephen Krashen and encourage free voluntary reading.
4. Develop an extensive collection of alternative reading materials...