British Social Realism – From
Documentary to Brit Grit by Samantha Lay
Social Realism in the British Context
Realism or ‘Realisms’?
What are the problems with the phrasal term “social realism”?
The problems with
the phrasal term ‘social realism’ is that it is often used interchangeably with
other realism terms, such as ‘working class’ and ‘kitchen sink’ realism.
What is the critical consensus about “realism”?
The critical
consensus about ‘realism’ is that it is believed to be superior and a
controlling representational form, associated with the Western world.
What factors helped to create the context within which the realist impulse first developed?
The factors that
helped to create the context within which the realist impulse first developed were
the social and structural change, due to the industrial revolution along with
political views of communism.
What was the development of realism in the nineteenth century?
The development of
realism in the nineteenth century was debated to allow for expression and
representation. Literature at the time was hugely at the centre of critical
discussion and this paved the way for critical realism. As scholars could not
agree in general the term ‘realism’, it was decided that it would represent
different aspects of life, as it is lived in the present.