Dimapur, May 24 (MExN): A lecture on the topic, ‘A Sociological Approach to Folklore as a Discourse on Power: Three Propositions’ was delivered by Dr. William Westerman at Tetso College on May 22.
Dr. William Westerman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, at New Jersey City University (NJCU), USA and at present serving as a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
The lecture was attended by graduate students and faculties of the college, according to a press release from the college.
Dr. Westerman discussed the discipline of folklore studies and how the discipline has historically been divided between literary and anthropological approaches. He considered folklore through a sociological lens, looking at how power, exclusion, community, and cultural capital are negotiated through unofficial and informal yet aesthetic or folklore expression. He went in-depth about the political implications of folklore in real life practices and how choices in everyday life practices are actually a reflection of our society.
He also discussed how folklores can be seen as materials for building group solidarity and identity. Folklore in its cultural context can be seen as a way of exploring how these narratives and practices function within the communities that create and maintain them, he said. The lecture highlighted folklore as a living tradition, an integral part and parcel to the social practices, rituals, and everyday lives of people.
The event marked the culmination of a fruitful year of substantial research activities and achievements by the college and its faculties, the release stated, adding that it underscores the college’s commitment to advancing research across diverse academic fields and its aim to foster a research-intensive environment. This initiative is further strengthened through collaborations with various universities both nationally and internationally, the college added.
