Disneyization — Culture — Cultural Production [New issue of the journal:
n/a
Organization: University of Lodz
Journal: "The Problems of Literary Genres" [polish: "Zagadnienia Rodzajów Literackich"], Special Issue:
Disneyization — Culture — Cultural Production
This issue explores the multifaceted concept of Disneyization and its impact on contemporary culture and cultural production. Disneyization — a term coined by Bryman to describe how the principles of Disney’s theme parks are applied to various sectors of society — involves commodification, thematicization, hybrid consumption, and performative labour as observed across cultural industries. This special issue explores how Disneyization shapes cultural narratives, influences creative industries, and shapes the behaviour of cultural consumers. We welcome submissions that examine these phenomena from various perspectives, including literary studies, cultural studies, media studies, and sociology.
Possible sample topics to consider:
- theoretical frameworks for Disneyization: an analysis of the conceptual framework and methodology for studying Disneyization from the perspective of critical studies, Adorno and Benjamin’s theories, and a comparison of Disneyization with other cultural theories (e.g. McDonaldization, cultural hegemony, class struggle);
- Disneyization in literature and media: studies on the influence of Disneyization on literary texts, films, and other media, especially in the context of shaping genre and narrative conventions;
- “re-Disneyization”: an analysis of amateur adaptations and reinterpretations of Disney brands and franchises, especially in the context of specific works entering the public domain;
- cultural production and the entertainment industry: the influence of the Disney corporation on global cultural production, including case studies of media franchises;
- failure studies: an analysis of failed attempts to create film universes and animation studios inspired by the Disney model, especially in post-communist countries;
- consumer culture and Disneyization: the impact of Disneyization on consumer behaviour and identity formation, especially in the context of thematic environments (amusement parks, shopping malls);
- the phenomenon of Disneyization in state-owned enterprises in Eastern Bloc countries: an analysis of the presence (or lack thereof) of Disneyization in this specific cultural space;
- globalization and cultural colonialism: examination of the spread of Disneyization in different cultures and its consequences for cultural colonialism; analysis of resistance to Disneyization in local productions and cultural practices;
- digital media and Disneyization: the role of digital platforms in disseminating and amplifying Disneyized content, with particular emphasis on user-generated content and fan culture;
- education and Disneyization: the impact of Disney materials on educational content and pedagogy, including the role of educators in a critical approach to Disneyized cultural products;
- ethical and political dimensions of Disneyization: ethics and political implications of Disneyization in the production and consumption of culture and their impact on cultural policy;
- case studies and empirical research: in-depth case studies of Disneyized cultural phenomena and empirical research on audience reception and interpretation of Disneyized media;
- historical perspectives: the historical evolution of Disneyization and its precursors and the analysis of its impact on historical narratives and collective memory;
- format category in Disneyization: analysis of television formats adapted in different countries in the context of Disneyization and their global impact.
We encourage interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies that contribute to a deeper understanding of Disneyization and its cultural consequences.
Editors of the issue:
prof. Jaros?aw P?uciennik (University of Lodz)
Szymon Szul, PhD student (University of Lodz)
Consultation: Katarzyna Kaczor, PhD (University of Gda?sk)
Deadline for submitting texts: May 31, 2025
Please send submissions to the Editor's email address: zrl@uni.lodz.pl
https://czasopisma.ltn.lodz.pl/Zagadnienia-Rodzajow-Literackich/announcement/view/37
Jaros?aw P?uciennik
