Genre
Genre is a way of categorizing various art forms. In literature, genres may be defined by narrative structure (e.g., the plot of novels, such as romance or mystery); literary style (e.g., lyric poetry); conventions of form, symbolism, and purpose (e.g., comedy of manners, utopias); specifics of character (e.g., the magical girl) or setting (e.g., Regency romance; space opera; Western); production company or style (e.g., Hammer horror, spaghetti western); audience (e.g., YA, lesbian fiction, Christian fiction); or virtually any combination of the above. Genre is often medium-specific (e.g., "film noir") although over time, genres tend to not stay specific to their medium (e.g., noir).
In other words, genre is a loose system of classifying cultural products according to perceived criteria. Classifications are usually post hoc, after the fact, a recognition that a genre has already developed, or a retrospective grouping of works. As with any classification scheme, defining a genre may be controversial, particularly at the boundaries, as it offers an opportunity for hierarchical ranking and ghettoization.
Genres may be defined and created through popular cultural trends, mass production, and/or academic study. The academic study of genre is genre studies.
Bibliography
- Ursula K. Le Guin's essay on genrification.
- Jed Hartman, 2001, "Where Does Genre Come From?", Strange Horizons, http://www.strangehorizons.com/2001/20011203/editorial.shtml
- Mary Anne Mohanraj, 2001, "Avoiding the Potholes: Adventures in Genre-Crossing", http://www.strangehorizons.com/2001/20010702/editorial.shtml