As South African as stokvels: social book clubs in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Social book clubs in South Africa have developed partly to provide readers with access to new books. Similar and related groups that have been established since printed books became available are reviewed and terms defined. Book and reading culture in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal are briefly described. The choice of a sample population and questionnaire survey as the research method are justified and the results of the survey are discussed in the light of earlier research on the subject in South Africa as well as in relation to the book discussion clubs that are popular in the United States of America. Recommendations for further research are made.


Innovation (2003) No. 26, pp 28-37