Leavisism and T.S. Eliot: Impact on Cultural Studies
The Leavisites and T.S. Eliot
F.R. Leavis and Q.D. Leavis represented a new type of critic at Cambridge. They helped to extend the debate on mass culture. F.R. Leavis edited and contributed to a journal called Scrutiny. They followed the path that Arnold opened up in criticism. The influence of the Leavises and Scrutiny is fundamental to the development of what understanding culture meant in English Studies.
Leavisite Approach to Culture
The Leavisite approach to culture was divided into two forms:
- Literary “high” or minority culture: This could be usefully deployed in the interests of both analyzing what is seen as the damaging effects or tendencies of industrial capitalism and providing cultural antidotes.
- The pursuits and habits of the “ordinary” or “common” people: This had negative and positive aspects. Regarding the positive aspects: organic, vital, and common folk culture; negatives: products of urban, mass, industrial society.
Mass Culture and Cultural Decline
During the 1930s, there was a negative view of mass culture due to it being marked by cultural decline. Mass civilization and mass culture were seen as a threat. Besides, civilization and culture became antithetical terms, and the status of the minority changed.
Positive View of Organic Popular Culture
On the other hand, organic popular culture had a positive view because of the results of the organic folk community, the Bible (since it was considered the only book at their disposal), and crafty activities, singing, dancing, games, etc.
Cultural Authority
As for cultural authority, in these ages, the intellectual minority loses authority. It has traditionally set standards of taste; masses question authority. Loss of cultural authority comes with the rise of democracy, and finally, it must preserve high literary standards and taste.
Discrimination and Informed Judgments
Discrimination and informed judgments were seen as a drug habit that provides passive distraction. In terms of high cultural forms, this was a question of discrimination. Objects of value did not pre-exist but had to be chosen by those with the education and training to be able to make informed judgments. The Leavises feared that the continued spread of mass culture was characterized by standardization and leveling down. Mass culture appealed to the lowest common denominator. This cultural impoverishment is made worse by increasing Americanization.
Debasement of Language and Culture
For the Leavises, the debasement of language was a devaluation of emotions and the quality of life. Besides, cinema and advertisement were seen as manipulative. They bring debasement of language but also of emotions, and society must learn forms of discrimination (close reading). They were suggesting ways in which the public may learn to see through advertising and thus resist its power. One consequence of this procedure is that cultural analysis is not simply an exercise of interpretation. That is, to make people more aware of questionable practices and to bring about what is seen as a positive change.
The Leavises were involved in a consciousness-raising project to warn against, and provide adequate training to counter, the worst effects of mass culture.