Genre Theory

Daniel Chandler• “Conventional definitions of

genre are based on the idea that they share particular convention of content e.g. themes or setting”

Steve Neale• “Genres are instances of

repetition and difference; this is what pleasure for the audience is derived from”

Genre Theory

John Hartley• “The same text can belong

to different genres in different countries or times”

David Buckingham• “Genre is a constant process

of negotiation and change”

John Fiske“Genre attempts to structure some order into the wide range of texts and meanings that circulate in our culture for the conveniences of both producers and audiences”

Western

Problems with defining Genre

Can genre change over time?

What is a Hybrids?

Does audience development affect Genre?

Does a label limit your audience?

Is iconography essential for audience understanding?

Are they culturally fluid?

Is the drive behind them purely economic?

Some theorists define through content, can we also define through structure?

Robert Stam: “genre can be defined by the performer”

In Film… In Music…

How far do you agree with this statement?