According to a study conducted by the Ifop institute and the Art Explora foundation, reading and cinema outings are significantly declining over the last decade. The rise of digital media is not the only explanatory factor. Far from it.
Most French people consider culture as “essential” to their quality of life, next only to family and friends. However, participation in cultural activities is dwindling, with only 72% of respondents reading a book in the past year, down from 85% in 2017. Similarly, cinema attendance has dropped from 77% to 57%.
The decline is equally stark for visiting historical sites or museums, with only 51% having visited one, down from 71%. Even museum or exhibition visits have stagnated at 43%, a significant drop from the previous survey. Ultimately, 20% of French individuals reported engaging in no cultural outings in the past twelve months.
However, digital consumption remains strong, with 65% watching a movie, 62% watching a series, and 54% watching a documentary in the past year. While the study does not provide comparative data, it indicates a growing trend towards digital cultural consumption.
The study identifies major factors contributing to the lack of enthusiasm for cultural outings. These include demanding daily routines, the need for advanced planning leading to perceived time constraints, and apprehensions about discomfort during outings.
Despite the decline in traditional cultural practices, the study underscores the positive societal impact of cultural engagement. Individuals with cultural practices are more engaged in societal functioning and hold positive views on respect, dialogue, sharing, and solidarity.
In conclusion, the study highlights the critical role of culture in shaping societal values, underscoring the potential consequences of a decline in cultural engagement for democracy.
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