Discursive Reception Studies

What is it about?

The present paper investigates a methodology designed to increase our knowledge of the everyday use of fiction. People of all ages consume books, films and theater through different media and a variety of practices. After or during such consumption of fiction, people sometimes tell each other about their experiences. I argue that a combination of reception theory and discursive psychology – discursive reception research – can be a fruitful method studying such sharing.

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Why is it important?

Conducting such studies increase our knowledge of literature in practice, allowing us to address questions such as: How is literature used to create ourselves and position others, to portray us as good or well-read, as belonging to the cultural elite or as not being a snob? How can discussions about literature be used to quarrel, flirt, make friendships, etc.? How are the concepts ›reader‹ and ›non-reader‹ construed in young people’s identity work?

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