A Sociological Analysis of Yasmina Reza's Play Art Based on Lucien Goldmann's Genetic Structuralism

Author : parnian mehrabi, Dr. Mostafa Mokhtabad

Abstract :The sociology of literature seeks to understand the links between literary texts and society by examining the relationship between literary works and the social, political, and economic structures that shape them. It is considered one of the most complex interdisciplinary fields. Lucien Goldmann argues that literary works are not mere reflections of socio-economic and political conditions but rather aesthetic and artistic forms of these conditions. The core of Goldmann’s genetic approach lies in the idea that a literary work is not simply the product of an individual writer but rather the product of the society to which the writer belongs. This study employs Lucien Goldmann’s structuralist approach to conduct a sociological reading of Yasmina Reza’s play Art, aiming to uncover the author’s perception of French society. It is evident that one’s understanding and interpretation of the society in which they live are shaped by the very conditions that society provides. Women across the world, throughout history, have faced challenges that inevitably manifest in their artistic works. In Art, Yasmina Reza critically examines the friendship between three individuals from different socio-economic classes, demonstrating the extent to which social class influences personal choices and cultural tastes. The value of cultural activities is often dictated by the socio-economic class of the individuals engaging in them. People are generally willing to invest significant resources to align their cultural preferences with those of the upper classes, in an attempt to present themselves as belonging to a higher social stratum. Exploring the social and political dimensions of an artistic work can guide both readers and theater practitioners toward uncovering its non-dramatic layers, thereby contributing to its adaptation and performance. This study, drawing on Goldmann’s genetic criticism, aims to provide a framework for understanding the socio-political dimensions of Yasmina Reza’s Art.

Keywords :Lucien Goldmann, Yasmina Reza, Art, Genetic Structuralism, Sociological Criticism of Literature.

Conference Name :International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy (ICISSAAHP-25)

Conference Place Nice, France

Conference Date 25th Dec 2025