The Social History and Functions of Book Discussion Clubs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33077/uw.25448730.zbkh.2025.953Keywords:
book discussion clubs , reading books clubs , book clubs , social history , prejudice and discriminationAbstract
The article discusses the creation and development of book clubs from the perspective of marginalized and discriminated groups and the role these clubs play for various communities historically and today. The first part of the article explains from a historical perspective where the interest in participating in book clubs came from among groups encountering prejudice and how they contributed to development of those institutions. The second part presents the functions that reading book clubs serve for various communities, e.g. assistance in academic and professional development, a tool for therapeutic support, a place for developing psychosocial skills, creating interpersonal relationships and support networks, and an identity-forming role. The article is based on a review of available literature, primarily from English-language sources.
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