Review of Economic, Social and Cultural Factors and Challenges Pertaining to non-textbook Reading Tendencies by Youths: Case Study of Metropolitan Shiraz

The present study was undertaken to investigate the economic, social and cultural factors relevant to Non-textbook readership (NTR) among youth. A survey was carried out on a sample taken from youth between 14 and 29 years old in Metropolitan Shiraz. A questionnaire was used in conjunction with interview. SPSS was used for descriptive and inferential data analysis. It was demonstrated that there is significant correlation between youth tendency towards reading with age, social standing, educational level of the individual and parents, ethnicity, family income, access to books and library, and membership in a given establishment or society. The most pressing matters regarding NTR among youths are shortage of cultural centers and libraries, suitable book titles, financial issues, costliness, and lack of interest or motivation for reading.