Practices and trajectories: A comparative analysis of reading in France, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA

Abstract

Using time diary data to examine practices of reading, this article examines trajectories of change within five countries in the last quarter of the 20th century. It employs a conceptual framework derived from theories of practice to illustrate their application in a quantitative and comparative analysis of change in patterns of consumption. Analysing recruitment and defection, the multiplication and diversification of reading-related practices, and the presence of distinct enthusiast groups leads to the rejection of popular claims that the practice of reading is in decline and that this might be a universal process across societies characterized as having ‘advanced reading cultures’. Critiques of cultural homogenization in the context of global consumer cultures are also corroborated. Also, a conceptual and methodological framework for the application of practice theories to the analysis of consumption and social change is advocated.

Transition to Sustainable Fertilisation in Agriculture, A Practices Approach

“…Furthermore, this degree of adoption of the different practices (Southerton et al . ) shows how the practices are connected via the farmer‐practitioners, who can exchange different elements between the practices.…”

“…) or provide generalised accounts about broader transition trends (Southerton et al . ). In this article, we aim to advance the ability of practice theory in analysing change and providing support for policies.…”

“…Understanding this dynamic structuration of a practice is an important element in analysing its change (Southerton et al . ).…”

“…Practice approaches can indicate how social practices come about and transform over time, but they have problems in providing concrete suggestions to support policies aiming to transform practices (Rauschmayer et al 2015) or provide generalised accounts about broader transition trends (Southerton et al 2012). In this article, we aim to advance the ability of practice theory in analysing change and providing support for policies.…”

Facilitating Low-Carbon Living? A Comparison of Intervention Measures in Different Community-Based Initiatives

“…The emergence and disappearance of single social practices can be described by a shift from proto-practices to practices and ex-practices (see Figure 2). Besides the links between different elements, the population of "carriers" of the practice-the people who perform it-can change ( [54] and others) through the recruitment to, and deflection and migration from, the practice [59]. Recruitment to practices can occur through social networks (see, for instance, the Nordic walking study [58]), but also by law, material networks, and norms (in the case of daily showering [60]).…”