1. The Five Functions of Genre
1. Reinforcement of a cultures ideas and values
2. Creation of a set of audience expectations
3. Creation of characteristics by producers
which audiences recognise
4. A relationship between audiences and
producers which minimises the risk of
financial failure
5. Dynamism and flexibility – constantly
transforming with new examples

2. Genre Theory
Daniel Chandler Steve Neale
• “Conventional definitions of • “Genres are instances of
genre are based on the idea repetition and difference;
that they share particular this is what pleasure for the
convention of content e.g. audience is derived from”
themes or setting”

3. Genre Theory
John Hartley David Buckingham
• “The same text can belong • “Genre is a constant process
to different genres in of negotiation and change”
different countries or times”
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”

4. Western

5. Some theorists define
through content, can we also
Can genre change define through structure?
over time?
What is a Hybrids?
Are they culturally fluid?
Is iconography
Problems with essential for audience
defining Genre understanding?
Is the drive behind them
purely economic?
Does a label limit your
Does audience development audience?
affect Genre?

6. Robert Stam: “genre can be defined by
the performer”
In Film… In Music…
How far do you agree with this statement?