The master's thesis examines the contemporary romance novel within the context of trivial literature and reception aesthetics, emphasising its cultural significance, structural characteristics and readers' motivations. The study addresses three key questions: the defining characteristics of trivial literature; the positive and negative dimensions of contemporary romance novels; and the motivations and experiential outcomes of readers engaging with this genre. The theoretical part traces the historical development of the romance novel and contextualises it within debates about literary hierarchy, gender and commercialisation. It criticizes the stigmatisation of the romance novel as »low culture«, while acknowledging its formulaic nature, its ideological reinforcement of patriarchal norms and its potential for subversive feminist or queer narratives.
The empirical part analyses data from a survey of 481 Slovenian readers, mostly women, to explore demographic trends, reading habits and perceived benefits. The results show that escapism, emotional catharsis and the assurance of a happy ending are the main motivators, with 79% of respondents confirming the genre's role as an escape from reality. Despite the internalised cultural stigma (30% expressed discomfort with social condemnation), readers appreciated the genre's emotional engagement and simplicity. Notably, 92% of respondents emphasised the importance of writing quality and challenged assumptions about the genre's aesthetic inferiority. The thesis reveals the tension between the genre's commercial trivialization and its ability to reflect evolving social norms.
By situating romance novels within broader discourses on cultural capital and reception theory, the thesis argues for a reassessment of the high/low culture dichotomy. It emphasises the genre's dual function as a commodified product and a site for emotional and cognitive negotiation, and calls for academic recognition of its role in shaping readers' subjectivity and cultural imagination.
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