Men Abandon Fiction: Author Warns of Empathy Crisis

Author Douglas Stuart has voiced significant concern over the declining engagement with fiction among adults, particularly men, who he believes have decided "fiction isn't for them." This trend worries Stuart, as he fears it could result in a society with less empathy, impacting leadership and overall social well-being.

A recent study from 2024 indicates that half of all adults in the UK do not read regularly, and 15 percent have never engaged in reading for pleasure. This situation is exacerbated by concerns that children are not being read to at home; close to 50 percent of them are believed to arrive at school without this crucial early exposure.

Stuart, known for exploring themes of masculinity, class, and sexuality, also reflected on the responsibility he feels as a queer, working-class Scottish novelist. While he initially focused on describing overlooked aspects of life in his novels, the Booker Prize-winning author admits to feeling "enormous guilt" about his public role and the representation he provides.