In Brazil, book prices are a problem for most of the population working minimum wage jobs. They are paid 1320 reais (about 270 dollars), but roughly a third of the laborers work informally, earning even less. Those on minimum wage struggle to cover basic needs like rent, food, and transport and simply can’t afford non-essentials, such as books, which usually cost *at least* 30 reais on the internet and double the price at local stores. In my experience, only those who are at least in the middle class and don’t have major financial burdens can afford a monthly book. Owning books here often indicates a level of financial comfort, contrasting with the majority of the people. Personally, most people I know who own at least 5 books are richer than average, although I know poor people who do read a lot, but they unfortunately have to resort to piracy and reading on their phones due to their low income, risking distractions and potential vision problems.
That’s a real problem when we have in mind that at least 40% of Brazil’s population go through some sort of financial struggle.
I believe that that sad reality is common to most underdeveloped and developing countries, and serves only to segregate the access to culture.
by Acceptable_Stand_355