Steve Neale's genre theory

Key terms for the theory:

Genre= a style of category of art, media, music or literature
Sub-genre= a lesser or smaller category within a particular genre
Hybrid= a combination of two or more things
Variation= a change or slight difference or a different or distinct form or version
Dialectical= concerned with opposing forces
Repetition= products within the same genre with similar and familiar recognisable patterns

What is the theory?

• Some texts have more than one genre 
• For example, 'The Returned' has paranormal elements but the centre of it is a family drama
• When a text features multiple genres it's called a hybrid 
• To create a genre elements of the genre have to be repeated in texts to create codes and conventions
• Therefore, the audience can feel pleasure when they see the convention depending on their understanding of the genre
• Repetition and difference is the idea that conventions needs to be repeated in order to fulfil the genre however sometimes conventions needs to be broken to keep texts interesting 
• There are 3 concepts which influence the concept of repetition and difference within genres:
• 1) Institutions- use genre to their advantage by saving on money, marketing etc
• 2) Audiences- apply their previous knowledge of a genre to create meaning, the predictability is appealing and audiences feel secure knowing what they are going to see
• 3) Context- often texts are made due to inspiration/events happening at that moment in time 

So overall..?

The theory explains that a text may be made up of multiple genres and genres are made through the repetition of conventions in texts

However, sometimes conventions needs to be broken in order to keep texts relevant and interesting