Living reading: The mutual construction of spirituality and reading

Using materials gathered from a one and one-half year ethnographic study of several local affiliates of the Illinois Reading Council, the author explores the multiple meanings of reading that emerged from the group's practice, to develop the notion of "living reading." The dissertation provides background on the historical contexts from which the reading councils developed and an overview of current local council practice. It focuses close attention on the symbols, forms, rituals, genres, and discourses through which notions of reading are articulated in council practice. The analysis demonstrates the close ties that exist between the councils and Protestant practice as it was articulated through the development of women's voluntary benevolent associations. It discusses the ways that, through council practice, reading becomes a means of spiritual self-expression and fulfillment that allows members to be both compliant and resistant to institutionally imposed restrictions on their personal and professional growth.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio