Reading is said to have a unique place in human civilization, transcending times and cultures. It is considered crucial for school performance and the development of democratic citizens (Skolverket, 2022). However, according to the Programme for International Reading Literacy Study (Skolverket, 2023) reading habits in Sweden are declining. Overall, the act of reading is perceived to be at risk – a concern that has been eloquently articulated within and beyond the Nordic context. Declining reading habits are seen as a major challenge in contemporary societies, with potential negative effects on children’s cognitive, emotional, and personal development as well as on the formation of a well-rounded, critically thinking, and informed citizens.   In examining how reading is produced as a societal, scientific and political concern (cf. Latour, 2004a), we have elsewhere introduced the concept of the ‘reading industrial complex’ (Sundström Sjödin, et al., in press). This concept posits reading as a multifaceted matter involving a wide range of actors, each holding their own view of what reading is, what it entails, and why we should care about it. The present study focuses more narrowly on the role of science in shaping perceptions of reading as a valued activity, influencing policies, and informing pedagogical practices.

Theoretically, the study is inspired by Latour’s concepts of matters of facts and matters of concern (Latour, 2004a, 2004b, 2014) to explore how scientific knowledge about reading is constructed and transformed into established ‘facts’ or ‘concerns’. This involves uncovering the desires and aspirations behind research initiatives and examining the ‘laboratory life’ (Latour et al., 2013) of reading science.  To achieve this aim, we trace the shifting epistemologies of reading research as reflected in the Journal of Literacy Research from 1969 to 2022. For that, we selected over 200 articles which we coded in accordance with our analytical interest and the purpose of the study. Of particular interest was to explore how the value of reading is constructed within selected articles.   Preliminary findings indicate significant shifts in reading research over time. These include expanded conceptions of what counts as reading and literacy, increased interest in contexts and the use of qualitative research methods. Nevertheless, reading continues to be treated as essentially one thing, albeit complex and multifaceted, that can be observed, measured, and assessed, often at the level of the individual. In Latourian terms, then, we can say that while reading is widely recognized as a political and societal concern, it still tends to be approached as a matter of fact.