Are fictional readers more socially understanding than those who prefer non-fiction?

Answer 1

I read fiction almost exclusively.
My husband reads non-fiction almost exclusively.
I probably have a better grasp of social motivations and subtle innuendo than my husband does, but thats probably because of the cultural gender differences than what we read.

Answer 2

Interesting you'd ask, because I'm doing a research project on the value of science fiction. Having read a lot on the subject in the past month, I think yes, fiction readers gain insight into their own and other people's social issues because they have an opportunity to see people with similar problems from an objective viewpoint when they read good, high quality fiction.

Answer 3

Any answer to this, unless it's based on several studies of the subject, are going to be pointless generalizations. I find non-fiction to be far more useful than fiction, unless the fiction was written a very long time ago.

Answer 4

Probably, because they are more creative personalities and enjoy different and unusual things. They are more open to the unique and unusual. I love fantasy and sci-fi books and think of myself as an open and non judgemental person.

Answer 5

I doubt so