The Sociology of Literature

The Sociology of Literature is a growing field that originated in the French Enlightenment and is best expressed as a sociological pursuit in the work of Pierre Bourdieu. It addresses the epistemological premises of the field and refutes the criticism that it does not take the text to be the central object of study. Gisèle Sapiro, the field's leading theorist, demonstrates the discipline's ability to account for the roles and behaviors of agents and institutions in the circulation and reception of texts. The book emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the approach and defends the sociology of literature as a discipline in its own right.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The Sociology of Literature is a concise yet comprehensive guide to the historical development, theoretical frameworks, and potential future trajectories of this rapidly evolving field of study. Rooted in the French Enlightenment and most prominently articulated through the work of Pierre Bourdieu, this discipline has emerged as a significant sociological pursuit. In this book, the authors address the epistemological foundations of the sociology of literature, challenging the common criticism that it fails to prioritize textual analysis. Through a robust rebuttal, Gisèle Sapiro, the field's leading theorist, showcases one of the discipline's greatest strengths: its ability to account for the roles and behaviors of agents and institutions, such as publishing houses and prize committees, in the circulation and reception of texts.

While Sapiro emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the approach, highlighting how it draws from literary history, sociology, postcolonial studies, book history, gender studies, and media studies, among others, the book also serves as a defense of the sociology of literature as a discipline in its own right. The authors argue that the sociology of literature offers a unique perspective on literature and society, contributing to our understanding of the complex relationships between these two realms. By exploring the social and cultural factors that shape literary production, distribution, and consumption, the sociology of literature sheds light on the ways in which literature reflects and shapes social structures, ideologies, and power dynamics.

Furthermore, the book explores the potential futures of the sociology of literature, considering the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It examines the impact of new technologies, such as digital publishing and social media, on the production, distribution, and reception of literature. It also considers the ways in which the sociology of literature can contribute to broader social and cultural transformations, such as the promotion of diversity, equity, and social justice.

In conclusion, The Sociology of Literature is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of literature and society. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the historical development, theoretical frameworks, and potential future trajectories of this discipline, while also challenging and defending its place as a vital and interdisciplinary field of study.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 141 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503637597