Unraveling the effect of extrinsic reading on reading with intrinsic motivation

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the effect of the time spent on reading for leisure (when the motivation is intrinsic) on the time devoted to reading for job-related or educational purposes (when the motivation is extrinsic). To do so, we use the Cultural Habits and Practices Survey conducted by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Spain in 2014–2015. As the main determinants of the time spent on intrinsic reading, we consider the time devoted to extrinsic reading, sociodemographic characteristics, labor situation, participation in other leisure activities and an index of cultural capital at home. We estimate a Heckman model that allows us to control for self-selection. Results show that the time devoted to intrinsic reading mainly depends on the time spent on reading with extrinsic motivation, human capital and cultural background. Reading with extrinsic motivation increases the likelihood of intrinsic reading but reduces the time allocated to it. Therefore, our results suggest a substitution pattern between time spent reading for leisure and reading with extrinsic motivation.