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Controversies as Sites of

Conflict and Collaboration:

Insights from Sociology of

the Arts

Jan Marontate

INTRODUCTION We argue that research about art controver-
sies provides rich insights into values and
Conflict and collaboration have been depicted practices in art worlds and in society more
as opposing poles in studies of theoretical and generally.
methodological approaches (Burrell and
Morgan, 1982). In sociology of the arts no
single theoretical framework prevails, but CONFLICT AND COLLABORATION
notions related to these ideas occupy an IN THE FIELD OF SOCIOLOGY OF
important place in the field. The first part of THE ARTS
this chapter presents selected theoretical
frameworks of importance for contemporary Studying the arts sociologically
work in sociology of the arts and discusses
them in connection with the themes of this There are many ways of studying the arts
volume: conflict, competition and coopera- sociologically. Research in sociology of the
tion. The second part of the chapter presents arts focuses on processes such as artistic pro-
research on art controversies and discusses duction (or creation), mediation, and recep-
how controversies can serve as observation tion (or consumption) as well as the values and
points for the study of society. Controversies practices of people, networks and organiza-
may be considered sites of conflict (between tions involved with these processes
groups with divergent values and practices) (Zolberg, 1990). Increased general interest in
and sites of collaboration (in establishing con- the field has been stimulated by cultural ana-
sensus and coordinated action within groups). lysts and policymakers who have identified