The cultural dynamics of generic change in contemporary fiction

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With the recent renaissance in genre theory and history, understanding the transformations within and between genres has become crucial. Literary genres can be viewed as families of texts, sets of norms, repertoires of devices, or social contracts between authors and readers, among other frameworks. It is evident that genres are dynamic, yet despite the various approaches to explaining generic change, scholars have not provided systematic overviews or closely examined the emergence of new genres to test these theories. This volume aims to illuminate the processes involved in what can be termed 'the cultural dynamics of generic change.' It emphasizes that genres are shaped not only by changes within the literary system but also by cultural factors and contexts. The first part of the volume theorizes these dynamics, offering systematic overviews and new hypotheses. The second part explores a diverse range of fictional genres within and beyond British and American literature, highlighting the interplay between literary and extra-literary influences in shaping genre evolution.