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Lokala litterära nätverk. Kartläggning och jämförelse av nätverk mellan litterära aktörer i Unescos litteraturstäder

Rehnman, Emma-Karin LU (2025) ABMM54 20251
Division of ALM, Digital Cultures and Publishing Studies
Abstract
This master’s thesis maps and compares local literary networks within UNESCO’s Cities of Literature, with the aim of understanding how such networks are structured, what their functions are and how they are controlled and developed. Drawing on concepts from social network analysis and Bourdieu’s theories of social fields, capital and habitus, the study combines quantitative and qualitative methods to examine relationships among literary actors.
The collection of empirical data was conducted through a survey distributed to all 53 Cities of Literature, of which 26 responded. A randomised attribute based graph model was used to visualise the collected network data, with a focus on identifying central actors and patterns of connectivity.... (More)
This master’s thesis maps and compares local literary networks within UNESCO’s Cities of Literature, with the aim of understanding how such networks are structured, what their functions are and how they are controlled and developed. Drawing on concepts from social network analysis and Bourdieu’s theories of social fields, capital and habitus, the study combines quantitative and qualitative methods to examine relationships among literary actors.
The collection of empirical data was conducted through a survey distributed to all 53 Cities of Literature, of which 26 responded. A randomised attribute based graph model was used to visualise the collected network data, with a focus on identifying central actors and patterns of connectivity. Free-text responses were qualitatively coded and analysed using NVivo to identify recurring themes, types of actors, and network characteristics.
The findings revealed three dominant network types; uniform, fragmented, and bridging, each with their own strengths and challenges. Public libraries emerge as especially central, acting as influential, well-connected hubs that facilitate collaboration and access. Cultural departments and funders serve as vital connectors, while commercial actors often bridge otherwise disconnected groups. The influence of creative actors varies significantly, shaped by their visibility and position within the network structure. As for functions of literary networks, they are used to support social development, benefit participating actors, and promote literature as an art form.
This thesis contributes to a better understanding of how literary networks operate in urban cultural policy and provides methodological tools for mapping and analysing such networks in future research. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Rehnman, Emma-Karin LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Local Literary Networks. Mapping and Comparison of Networks Among Literary Actors in UNESCO Cities of Literature
course
ABMM54 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Literary networks, UNESCO Creative Cities, Literary actors, Creative actors, Urban cultural development, Social network analysis, Bourdieu Litterära nätverk, Kreativa städer, Litterära aktörer, Kreativa aktörer, Kultur och samhällsplanering, Social nätverksanalys
language
Swedish
id
9190003
date added to LUP
2025-06-24 10:48:34
date last changed
2025-06-24 10:48:34
@misc{9190003,
  abstract     = {{This master’s thesis maps and compares local literary networks within UNESCO’s Cities of Literature, with the aim of understanding how such networks are structured, what their functions are and how they are controlled and developed. Drawing on concepts from social network analysis and Bourdieu’s theories of social fields, capital and habitus, the study combines quantitative and qualitative methods to examine relationships among literary actors.
	The collection of empirical data was conducted through a survey distributed to all 53 Cities of Literature, of which 26 responded. A randomised attribute based graph model was used to visualise the collected network data, with a focus on identifying central actors and patterns of connectivity. Free-text responses were qualitatively coded and analysed using NVivo to identify recurring themes, types of actors, and network characteristics.
	The findings revealed three dominant network types; uniform, fragmented, and bridging, each with their own strengths and challenges. Public libraries emerge as especially central, acting as influential, well-connected hubs that facilitate collaboration and access. Cultural departments and funders serve as vital connectors, while commercial actors often bridge otherwise disconnected groups. The influence of creative actors varies significantly, shaped by their visibility and position within the network structure. As for functions of literary networks, they are used to support social development, benefit participating actors, and promote literature as an art form.
	This thesis contributes to a better understanding of how literary networks operate in urban cultural policy and provides methodological tools for mapping and analysing such networks in future research.}},
  author       = {{Rehnman, Emma-Karin}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Lokala litterära nätverk. Kartläggning och jämförelse av nätverk mellan litterära aktörer i Unescos litteraturstäder}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}