Understanding Cultural Non-Participation in an Egalitarian Context (2022) by Riie Heikkilä explores why individuals in high-equality societies (specifically Finland) abstain from "highbrow" cultural activities, such as theater, opera, or museum visits. The book challenges the notion that these individuals are completely passive, revealing they often have active, alternative lifestyles.

Contrary to some theories, everyday, informal activities often do not substitute for cultural participation; instead, "passive" individuals tend to have low engagement across both types of activities. Background Information:

Cultural non-participation is largely a "label" created by research that focuses too narrowly on highbrow, state-subsidized culture, rather than the everyday activities people actually enjoy, such as gardening or socializing.

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this research has for cultural policy planners.

The study is based on qualitative interviews with 40 people in Finland whose backgrounds predicted low cultural activity.

Despite the study's focus on an "egalitarian" setting, the research shows that lower education and being outside the labor market still predict lower participation in traditional highbrow culture, maintaining social stratification.