"I'd rather bet on readings that teach me something concrete": Men are reading fewer novels, and society is losing out

Men are increasingly turning away from novels, a trend that experts warn could have significant societal consequences. While women consistently read more fiction, men's engagement with novels has notably declined, contributing to what is known as the "gender gap" in reading habits.

Recent studies highlight this disparity. A 2025 survey by YouGov for Galaxus revealed that Swiss women are avid readers of novels, with four out of five reading them regularly. In contrast, only two out of five Swiss men engage with fiction on a similar basis. This pattern is not unique to Switzerland; a 2022 US study confirmed the phenomenon is international.

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I'd rather bet on readings that teach me something concrete.

The implications of this shift are profound. Novels play a vital role in shaping an individual's sense of self and their connection to the wider community. By disengaging from fiction, men may be missing out on a key avenue for developing empathy, understanding complex human experiences, and fostering a deeper connection to societal narratives. The article quotes British author Ian McEwan, who in 2005 presciently warned, "The day women stop reading, the novel will be dead."

This trend suggests a potential loss for society as a whole. The rich inner lives and nuanced perspectives often explored in novels can contribute to a more thoughtful and connected populace. As men increasingly opt for non-fiction or other forms of media, the unique contribution of literary fiction to personal and collective understanding risks being diminished.

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The day women stop reading, the novel will be dead.