HOW MUCH DO YOUNG PEOPLE READ? THE READING PERFORMANCE OF HUNGARIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TRANSYLVANIA

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a 2024 representative sociological survey conducted among 1,906 Hungarian high school students in Transylvania, aiming to assess their reading performance and frequency. Data show that 74.6% qualify as book readers, but the proportion of intensive or “elite” readers has decreased significantly compared to earlier decades. Gender differences are marked: girls are four to five times more likely to belong to the frequent reader group. By contrast, parental education, residence type, and age show no substantial impact, suggesting that reading behaviour depends more on cultural than on structural factors.