Have Men Ended Their Love Affair With Books?

Stereotypes dictate that men prefer action and adventure, while women prefer romance and heartache. But are our reading habits rooted in biology, or are they a product of social conditioning? This question has long been a topic of debate among scholars and experts, and it’s one that’s worth exploring in depth.

According to a survey of British reading habits conducted by Nielsen Bookscan, 46% of all books bought in 2014 were purchased by men. This may surprise those who believe that women dominate the world of reading, but it’s a testament to the diversity of interests that can be found in both genders.

While men may be more likely to gravitate towards certain genres – such as science fiction, crime, and non-fiction – there is no single type of book that defines the male reading experience. As author and historian Dr. Annie Gray notes, “Men, like women, are multifaceted beings with a wide range of interests and experiences. To say that all men prefer one type of book over another is not only untrue, but it’s also limiting.”

That being said, there are certain themes and topics that tend to resonate more strongly with male readers. For example, sports and outdoor literature are popular among men, as are books on history, science, and politics. According to science fiction author Stephen Graham Jones, “Men tend to be drawn towards books that explore big ideas and complex issues. They want to be challenged and stimulated intellectually.”

This interest in intellectual stimulation can also be seen in the rise of book clubs and online reading communities for men. These groups offer a space for men to discuss literature and engage in meaningful conversations about topics that matter to them.

But why is it important for men to read, and how can we encourage more men to pick up a book? According to Dr. Gray, “Reading is important for everyone, regardless of gender. It helps us develop our critical thinking skills, expand our understanding of the world, and empathize with others. For men, in particular, reading can be an opportunity for personal growth and introspection.”

This sentiment is echoed by science journalist and author Richard Dawkins, who notes, “Reading is the best way to learn about the world around us and understand our place in it. It’s also a way to escape from the pressures of daily life and gain new perspectives on the human experience.”

So how do we encourage more men to become avid readers? According to Jones, it’s all about offering a diverse range of books that cater to a variety of interests and tastes. He notes, “It’s important for publishers and booksellers to recognize that men are not a monolith. We have different backgrounds, experiences, and interests, and we want to see those reflected in the books we read.”

In addition to offering a diverse range of books, it’s also important to create spaces where men feel comfortable discussing literature and engaging in critical conversations. Online communities such as Reddit’s “Books” forum and the Goodreads group “Manly Book Club” offer a space for men to connect with other readers and share their thoughts on literature.

The relationship between men and their reading habits is complex and multifaceted. While there are certain themes and genres that tend to resonate more strongly with male readers, it’s important to recognize that all men are unique individuals with their own interests and experiences. By offering a diverse range of books and creating spaces for discussion and engagement, we can encourage more men to discover the joys of reading and reap the many benefits that come with it.

The relationship between gender and book genres has been in existence for centuries where bookshops and websites may not have a specific section for men’s books, but there are plenty of books that men are reading. According to Nielsen Bookscan’s Books and Consumer Survey 2015, 46% of all books bought in 2014 were for males, with 39% of adult fiction works and 56% of non-fiction tailored towards men’s reading habits. However, a survey of 20,000 men and 20,000 women by Amazon-owned Goodreads in November 2014 found that although women read the same number of books as men overall, they read twice as many books published in that year.

“When women write books, their readership is a whopping 80% female. Is this because women’s interests – fictional as well as non-fictional – are too girly, or because men’s books are coolly ungendered? Or is it a reflection of sexist reading habits?” asks Simon & Schuster’s fiction editorial director, Clare Hey.

There is still excellent literature for men that provides insight into love, sex and family. “There are still examples of great books in that area,” says Hey. “Matt Haig’s The Humans, for example, and The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. We’ve just published The Two of Us by Andy Jones – it’s a love story, yes, but it’s told by a man from a man’s perspective and that gives it a freshness.”

The genre of books mainly preferred by men is thriller and crime. Dr Jane Davis, founder and director of The Reader Organisation, a charity that works to connect people with serious literature, suggests that reading helps men discuss emotional issues in their shared reading groups. “For men there can be very few areas of life where they are allowed to show emotion or talk about how things make them feel,” she explains. “In our shared reading groups we find that reading and discussing what they think of a poem or story creates a safe way to discuss emotional issues without needing to say it is about them because it is just about the person in the story.”

“Perhaps male genre readers are autists of the imagination?” asks The Guardian’s Mark Lawson. There may be a deeper issue here, which is related to male depression and loneliness. “A good book changes you. It can help you recognise aspects of yourself or others that you’d never appreciated; or it can be simple entertainment, in itself a healthy part of the balance of life and something we need to recognise as important,” says Wood. “It’s in stories that we connect with ourselves – or perhaps the person we would like to be.”

When it comes to reading habits, men are often overlooked. While statistics show that men buy fewer books than women, there are still plenty of examples of well-written works appealing to the male reader. Studies also suggest that men are more likely to read non-fiction than women, and that there are few books directed towards men with topics revolving around emotions and relationships. Furthermore, there are fewer outlets for men to engage with popular novels such as newspapers and magazines that heavily target female readers.

However, it’s important to recognize the importance of reading for men, as it promotes confidence, reduces loneliness and depression and can be a great source of entertainment. According to Clare Hey, fiction editorial director at Simon & Schuster, “Does Jonathan Franzen really have more to say to men about society and family than Elizabeth Strout for example?” It is true that male-directed fiction has seen success in recent years, with notable works such as Matt Haig’s The Humans, Graeme Simsion’s The Rosie Project and Terry Hayes’ I Am Pilgrim.

In order to encourage more men to get reading, magazines and newspapers should offer more space to promote commercial fiction, while booksellers should consider providing more retail space for male readers. Additionally, as Dr Jane Davis, founder and director of The Reader Organisation mentions, reading and discussing literature has been proven to create a “safe way” for men to discuss emotional topics, while lifting their spirits and helping to relax.

Ultimately, men have just as much to gain from reading as female readers. From personal growth, to entertainment and stress-relief, picking up a book – no matter what genre – is beneficial for everyone. As Ed Wood puts it, “A good book changes you. It can help you recognize aspects of yourself or others that you’d never appreciated; or it can simply be entertainment, in itself a healthy part of the balance of life and something we need to recognize as important.”