Andrew Smith

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Smith, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and author of 'Class and the Uses of Poetry,' delves into the often-overlooked connection between poetry and class. He reveals how poetry can be exclusionary for working-class readers and shares insights from community reading groups that foster inclusivity. Smith emphasizes the need to appreciate poetry’s aesthetic value while critiquing existing cultural barriers. He also explores collaborative approaches to interpretation, highlighting the power of shared experiences in understanding poetic texts.

Andrew Smith, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and author of "Class and the Uses of Poetry: Symbolic Enclosures," dives into how social class shapes the experience of poetry. He discusses the barriers that working-class readers face, exposing how poetry is often fenced off from them. Smith critiques Bourdieu's theories while emphasizing the importance of collective interpretation. He also reflects on the need to savor poetry's quiet moments amidst modern life's chaos, highlighting its cultural implications for inclusivity.