







































The Sociology of Visual Arts 

70 

 

CHAPTER  

5 

THE SOCIOLOGY OF VISUAL ARTS 
 

 

Godwin O. Uka and Elizabeth O. Ogbu Uka 

Department of Fine and Applied Arts, and  

Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 

 

 

Abstract 

Sociology of arts provides an introduction to the fundamental debates in the sociology of art, 

using extracts from the core foundational and most influential contemporary writers in the field. 

It is set on a disciplinary border that highlights sociological discourses about specific issues in 

society. The sources and information were from the field of anthropology, art history and art 

criticism. Firstly, this course discusses the complex cultural processes linking the visual arts and 

society in general. In such an endeavour the course adopts the assumption that artistic 

expressions are the result of those ongoing processes of ‘social construction’ that take place 

between artists, their audiences (art critics, curators, the media etc.), their economic and cultural 

environments as well as their historical and social contexts. It is important to review issues of 

artistic ‘production’. The role of the artist, the critic/dealer and of the curator was examined to 

understand their place in contemporary societies, while – on the other hand – attention was 

granted to different kinds of audiences and the use they make of art objects. Sociological 

consideration of the arts has a long history. It extends back to the works of such classical writers 

as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Georg Simmel and weaves its way to contemporary work by 

such scholars as Paul DiMaggio. 

 

Keywords: Sociology, arts, sociology of arts, visual art and art history 

 

This course is focused on: 

Introduction to Sociology and art history 

Classical sociological theory and the Sociology of Art 

The social production of art 

The Sociology of the Artist 

Museums and the social construction  

Aesthetic Form and the Specificity of Art 

The sociology of arts should provide students with an introduction to the fundamentals and 

debates in the sociology of art. 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

71 
 

Introduction 

Sociology of arts provides students and others alike with an introduction to the 

fundamental debates in the sociology of art, using extracts from the core foundational and most 

influential contemporary writer in the field. This subject is set on a disciplinary border that 

highlights sociological discourses about specific Western and African phenomena of artistic 

creativity and their uses and reception. The sources and information for this write-up were 

gathered from the field of anthropology, art history and art criticism. Different topics are 

interwoven within the Course. Firstly, is the discussion on the complex cultural processes linking 

the visual arts and society in Africa? In such an endeavour, the assumption is that artistic 

expressions are the result of those ongoing processes of ‘social construction’ that take place 

between artists, their audiences (art critics, curators, the media etc.), their economic and cultural 

environments as well as their historical and social contexts. Issues of artistic ‘production were 

reviewed.’ The role of the artist and the the critic/dealer and the curator are examined in an effort 

at understanding the place occupied by art in contemporary societies, while – on the other hand – 

attention was granted to different kinds of audiences and the use they make of art objects. 

Sociological consideration of the arts has a long history. It extends back to the works of such 

classical writers as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Georg Simmel and weaves its way to 

contemporary work by such scholars as Paul DiMaggio. 

 

What is the sociology of art? 

Sociology of art is a subfield of sociology that is concerned with the social world of art 

and its aesthetics. It is the study of the sociology of art throughout history or the study of the 

social history of art that is how various societies contribute to the appearance of certain artists. 

Sociology of art is a sub-set of culture, which is a field of study that deals with the social 

production of artistic objects and its implications. Sociology of art deals with the creation of 

works of art by the artist and their effect on the people; this is a process that can be observed all 

through history. Sociology of arts represents a universal phenomenon of human society in action;  

 

Meaning of Sociology of Art 

Sociology of arts is the creation of artworks or objects that in one way or the other affects 

society. It focuses mainly on sociological consideration of the artwork. There is hardly any 

aspect of social life of people that have not been expressed through art, and its socio-economic 

and psychological effects and influence that have to a great extent led to the development of art 

in any nation. This development can be made possible through the artist, and his audience, and it 

has been made evident through the works of prehistoric humans showing how functional objects 

throughout history have been designed and produced with a sense of visual awareness as well as 

operational needs. It was through art that man had his first instrument of communication, which 

is a form of visual expression Visual illustrations, were therefore interpreted and understood, in 

this way, visual art comprised a factor of tremendous importance to our cultural growth and 

development. This is well captured in the social construction that always takes place between the 

artist and his audience, which manifest in their economic and socio-cultural environment as well 

as their historical and social context. 

 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

72 

 

Sociology of art students should be able to define and discuss the sociology of arts in 

great detail. This is because; there is hardly any aspect of social life of people that has not been 

expressed through art. That is an artistic representation of things, with the environment, about the 

environment, peoples, activities, social events, and so on, Discussion on or about the artist who 

produces these works bring to bear at least three (3) various perspectives on the meanings of 

sociology of art.  

Artistic expressions in different media are the result of those ongoing processes of ‘social 

construction’ that take place between artists, their audiences (art critics, curators, the media of 

expression etc.), their economic and cultural environments as well as their historical and social 

contexts. The role of the artist and the critic/dealer and the curator are examined in an effort at 

understanding the place occupied by art in contemporary societies, while – on the other hand – 

attention was granted to different kinds of audiences and the use they make of art objects.  

Sociology of arts applies concepts of social sciences to art phenomena but it also utilizes 

concepts and methods used in humanistic art research. Sociology of art studies in addition to 

works of art, deals with any other communal activity making art possible in the society, i.e. 

production, distribution, reception and consumption. The social regulation of art and culture is 

also one of the research interest studies of the sociology of art students. The sociology of art 

course focuses on how the sociology of art combines the approach of humanistic art research 

with the sociology of thinking. Understanding the social system of art and its various dimensions 

is also an essential part of the basic studies. It is necessary to direct your studies towards the area 

of art and art life and theories in the field that personally interest you also advanced studies with 

common studies in cultural studies and specialization in the sociology of art. 

 

Focus areas include: 

Analysis and interpretation of works of art and cultural products about the surrounding 

society, cultural policy, especially in the regional context, and the art system, art system agents 

and their adjustment to today's market-based society. 

 

 

What is sociology?  

It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical 

analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, disorder, and change in society. 

Sociology is the study of social behaviour or society, and institutions including its origins, 

development, organization, and networks, many sociologists aim to conduct research that may be 

applied directly to social policy and welfare, while others focus primarily on refining the 

theoretical understanding of social processes. Subject matter ranges from the micro level of 

individual agency and interaction to the macro level of systems and social structure. 

 

What is Art? 

Are the physical two or three-dimensional objects that is professionally determined or 

otherwise considered to fulfil a primarily independent aesthetic function? The visual experience 

is on function, style and structures of the major art forms. It examines the connection between 

the visual, social and physical dimensions of everyday life in which art perform essential roles, 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

73 
 

while illustrating clearly the common features of the theme and culture, art critics, artist and all 

those interested in art criticism to discuss. Art as a cultural artefact is used to describe anything 

created by a human who gives information about the culture of its creator and user. 

Looking at art critically, it is the expression or application of human creative skill and 

imagination, especially in the area of fine and applied arts, producing works to be appreciated 

primarily for their beauty or emotional power. It is often considered the process or product of 

deliberate arranging elements in a way that appeals to the sense or emotions. It encompasses a 

diverse range of human activities, creation, and ways of expression including other areas like 

music, literature, film, glass design, textiles, sculpture, graphics, painting, ceramic and others 

In another way, art can be seen as something that is intelligently created to serve the 

following purposes: communicate, represent, decorate, persuade, convey or evoke emotion and 

provide self-expression, even if the work is never shared with another person. Explore new ideas, 

including what art itself is. Visual art is constructed from very basic elements or components that 

we experience through our sense of sight and/or touch; namely, lines, two and/or three-

dimensional shapes, textures, colours, dark and light qualities, and actual or implied space. 

Almost everything that we see can be described or interpreted in terms of these same visual (or 

sensory) components. Why do we ascribe the term "art" to some of these objects while others are 

merely described as useful or interesting or even beautiful? 

 

What is art history?  

Art history is the study of art and design in its historical development and stylistic 

contexts; including its format and style. It can be seen as the study of objects of art considered 

within their particular period. Art historians analyse visual arts' that is painting, sculpture, 

graphics, ceramics, architecture, textiles and others at the time they were created. Historians 

identify the visual elements of the artwork and interpret its meaning. The main preoccupation of 

art historians is simply to establish the origins of works of art, that is discovering who created a 

particular artwork, when, where and for what reason. Art history deals with the study of people 

and their culture represented throughout their artwork in different forms and times or periods. It 

can be shown by their attire, architecture, religion, sports or more visual pieces of art such as 

drawing, painting, sculpture and others,  

Art history is distinguished from art criticism, which is concerned with establishing a 

relative artistic value upon individual work concerning other works of comparable style, or 

sanction on entire style or movement, and art theory. "Philosophy of Art", is concerned with the 

fundamental of art, one branch of this area is aesthetics, which include investigating the enigma 

of the sublime and determining the essence of beauty. Iconography is a branch of art history, that 

studies the identification, description, and interpretation of the content of images employed in an 

artwork, the subject depicted in the particular composition and details used to do so and other 

elements that are different from artistic style. It consists in analyzing the symbolism of works of 

art. For instance, art historians identify the visual elements of any work of art and interpret its 

meaning. Art historians are interested in what the works of art represented at the time they were 

created, which is a way to learn about the civilization of the past.  It is important to note that the 

visual arts recount stories of past events. 

 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

74 

 

The study of art history and appreciation are the same but the difference comes to play 

when this knowledge is put into practice. Art appreciation is focused on a study to better 

understand and analyze art while art criticism involves evaluating art works with formal 

assessment tools. This requires an understanding of art movement, history and techniques. Art 

history is the academic study of the history and development of visual art and art appreciation, 

the application of basic tools of literature to understand and appreciate works of art. Art 

historians in any art historical analysis should have the following questions in mind. Why does a 

work of art look the way it does? Who made it and why? What does it mean?  These questions 

and others alike should be the major deliberation of art historical inquiry. Art historian uses 

various types of analysis to provide answers.  

 

Artistic Production 

Is the creation or production of beautified or significant things or artworks? Investigating 

sources for artists' inspiration provides one with innumerable alternatives for generating ideas for 

their works. How do artists create art? Do artists, for instance, merely stand in front of a canvas 

or block of wood and begin to paint or carve? These views are reflected in the belief that one 

simply takes a brush or chisel in hand and creates a work which expresses one's interests or 

feelings. Such a naive conception of artistic behaviour is very misleading and unprofessional and 

neglects the research roles played by the unique preparatory experiences and motivations of the 

artist. Acquiring such knowledge forms another segment of the subject matter of art which needs 

to be studied. 

 

The variety of sources artists use for their ideas and visual studies include:  

• people, animals and still-life;  

• views of land, sea and sky;  

• social, historical and political events;  

• myths, dreams and fantasies;  

• philosophical, psychological and scientific theories;  

• art forms produced at other times and in other places;  

• artistic and scientific innovations;  

• The technical possibilities of materials and the functional purposes of objects.   

 

Biography of the Artist 

The artist (name (s) 

Date and birth (from-to) 

Early life 

Type of artwork, his works, exhibition, analysis, importance 

Price, award if any of the artists and others 

 

Art History and the Society 

Society as an organization is a system created to achieve common goals through people-

to-people and people to - work relationships. It can be seen as a group of people involved with 

each other through persistent relations, or a large social group sharing the same geographical or 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

75 
 

social territory, subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectation. Art 

history is all about that. Art history and society are inseparable, just as the environment is to 

human beings. The  Society in which we live can be looked at as  the largest number of human 

beings who in one way or another other interact to satisfy their social and economic needs and 

share a common culture 

  Art history, therefore, is the study of visual art in its historical development and stylistic 

contexts; it can be seen as the study of objects of art considered within their period. The work of 

the Art historian is to analyse the visual arts at the time they were created. The historian's work is 

to identify the visual elements of the artwork and interprets its meaning. The main preoccupation 

of art historians is therefore to establish the origins of works of art, that is discovering who 

created a particular artwork, when, where and for what reason. Art historians are interested in 

what the works of art represented at the time, they were created, which is a way of learning about 

the civilization of the past. It is very important because is one of the ways to recount stories of 

past events.  Art history allows us to look back and understand how our civilization evolved over 

the centuries. This is a way to know ourselves better, and in trying to do so; we should ask why 

we have certain values in what we do. What shaped the way we think and our vision of the world 

should be put into consideration. 

It is important to note that the study of art history is all about developing critical thinking 

ability, and is not only about memorizing dates, artists' names, art movements, and so on. 

Instead, it drives the historian to analyze artworks. To support this type of analysis, the art 

historian must build rational and convincing arguments, hence developing his/her critical 

thinking abilities.  

 

Why art history is important – it is important because it gives humanities subjects, relating them 

to draw conclusions and critical evaluation of different artwork from different places. The history 

behind these artworks at separate times helps to learn about different tribes and their cultures. Art 

impacts and influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experience, 

across space and time in different ways. Art in this sense is communication; it allows people 

from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other via images, sound 

and stories. Art is often a vehicle for social change.  

Artists and designers are creators who keep and document visual records of people, 

places, and events of their time and place. They help us to see the world in a new and innovative 

way. Every art creator plays a different and necessary part in contributing to the overall health, 

development, and well-being of our society, as creative thinkers and makers provide their 

communities with joy, interaction, and inspiration but they also give thoughtful critique to our 

political and economic and social system pushing communities to engage in thoughtful and make 

steps towards social progress, from documenting human history to expressing collective 

emotion. They are a major vehicle for expressing universal emotions. This can be personal and 

sometimes universal. They have the ability 'feel strongly' about the paint, gesture or colour. They 

can “absorb” the atmosphere of a place or the memory of a feeling. 

 

They are responsible for unearthing the truth, their work is to illuminate the margins and make 

societal changes, tell stories and pass traditions, and connect with and inspire people globally. 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

76 

 

They record and preserve our human history, and offer messages of hope. They are ambassadors 

of the natural world and create a sense of community life. 

 

Analysis of the Artists' Works 

 

Formal analysis  

A formal analysis requires a detailed description of the "formal" qualities of the art 

objects (formal here means "related to the form", not "fancy or elegant"), in order words, what 

the artist is looking for in the individual design elements, such as compositions (arrangement of 

part in the work), colour, line, texture, scale, proportion, balance, contrast, and rhythm. You are a 

primary concern in this assignment is to attempt to explain how the artist arranges and uses these 

various elements. Usually, you have to look at the objects for a long time and then write down 

what you see. The assignment requires a highly detailed description of the objects. First, 

transacting something from visual language to textual language is one of the most vital tasks of 

the art historian. Most art historians at some point describe fully and accurately their objects of 

study to communicate their ideas about them. 

Art historians vary in their approach to art, there are a few common approaches that form 

the backbone of the field. Formal analyses want you to look and look carefully. Think of the 

objects as a series of decisions that an artist made. Your job is to figure out and describe, explain 

and interpret these decisions and why the artist may have made them. Ideally, if you were to give 

your written formal analysis to somebody who had never seen the objects, s/he would be able to 

describe or draw the object. 

In writing a formal analysis, focus on creating a logical order so that your reader doesn't 

let lost, your lecturer already knows what you are talking about. 

Here are a couple of options; 

 

1. Summarize the overall appearance, and also describe the details of the object. 

2. Describe the composition and then move on to a description of the material used (acrylic, 

watercolour, plaster and so on) 

3. Begin discussing one side of the work and then move across the object to the other side 

4. Describe things in the order in which they draw your eye around the object starting with the 

first thing you notice and moving to the next. 

 

Some lecturers will want your formal analysis to consist of pure description with little 

interpretation or no interpretation. In this case, you should just describe your object, while others 

will expect you to go further and comment on the significance of what you have observed. Find 

out which way your lecturer wants you to write your formal analysis in your assignment. Most 

art historians include formal analysis at some point in their essay; there are lots of examples to 

look at in textbooks and other reading materials 

 

 

 

 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

77 
 

Stylistic analysis 

Look at an object and talk about its style.  Discuss how an object fits into a particular 

stylistic category - for example, impressionism, Renaissance, or early Macedonian More often, 

they will ask you to compare two works in either the same or very different stylistic categories 

e.g. comparing one impressionist painting by Monet to one by Morisot or comparing a Correggio 

still life with Picasso life. You will still focus on the formal qualities of the objects but this time 

you will probably be expected to conclude one of the following:   

 

How the work fits the stylistic category 

How the work does not fit the category 

How two works with the same type of content look different from each other, because of style 

(for example, both paintings are still lives, but they show different approaches on three 

dimensional etc. A stylistic analysis will acquaint us with some of the large historical trends and 

forces in the culture and how they influence the development of art. 

 

Iconography/ iconology  

Look for a particular element that occurs in the object (an object, action, gesture, pose) 

and explain either: When some elements occur in other objects through history and how this 

object's representation of it is unique, or what that element means generally in art or to art 

historian-in other words, the traditional association an art historian might make between that 

depiction and other things. 

 

 Provenance/Patronage Study 

Examined the life of the objects itself: the circumstances surrounding its production and/or 

where and why it has changed hands throughout history. These focus on either: how, when, 

where and why the patrons, (the person who orders or buys the object, or generally supports the 

artist) ask for or acquired the object from the artist. 

You may have to comment on what the patronage suggests about how the artist made 

their living at different points in history, how / why the patron choose the artist they did or the 

history of the object passing from art to patron to museum etc. Such assignments usually appear 

in classes oriented towards museum studies. 

You may also comment on the significance of this work. 

The "pure" formal analysis is the only paper in which description alone is enough- you can ask to 

compare two objects, not just list their similar or different qualities. Instead, suggest what those 

differences or similarities mean and analyze them on some level. 

Identify the works of the artist and discuss their social meaning. State the Social content 

of the artist's work and its implication. Discuss social issues of artist work in Nigeria and other 

places and their social significance. Write and analyse works of the artist of your choice, discuss 

the social implication of their work, and its significance to the development of the society. 

 

What does a work of art express? 

• The intentions of the artist? audiences/   

• Only what art historians tell us about the work?  



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

78 

 

• Anything we want it to express? Is it strictly an individual thing? 

 

Who produces art and for who? 

The sociology of art is all about the production of art for the society, so an understanding 

of it is important. A definition and discussion of the sociology of arts is necessary, this is so 

because there is hardly any aspect of social life that has not been expressed through art. It is 

important to discuss the artist that creates and produces an artwork, his work and how it affects 

society necessary the foregoing brings to bear at least three (3) various perspectives on the 

meanings of sociology of art.  Kollwitz's "Out of Work", (charcoal and whitewash over graphite) 

and Picasso's "Guernica", serve as a testament to the social malaise within the half of the 20th 

century. State briefly (a) the biography of the artists (b) the formal analysis and (3) the social 

content of the works. The art of Bruce Onobrakpeya has some social implications. Identify three 

works of the artist and enunciate their social meanings. Besides "Night soil men, Refugees, and 

Politicians: Or, Peculiar Situations, Peculiar Responses" by Obiora Udechukwu, list three (3) 

other works of the artists through which the artist interrogated some key social issues in Nigeria. 

Discuss the place of art in the time of Alexander the Great, summarizing under three  (3) 

points the social significance of art.  

A work of art can be considered as the visual arts in physical two or three-dimensional 

objects that is professionally determined or otherwise considered to fulfil a primarily 

independent aesthetic function. Dimensional Form: the designer or artist draws or crafts out his 

works in various plans of space to represent the real objects intended to produce. Art as visual 

experience examines the connection between the visual, social and physical dimensions of 

everyday life in which art perform essential roles while illustrating clearly the common features 

of the theme and culture, Art critics, artist and all those interested in art criticism. Art as a 

cultural artefact is used to describe anything created by humans who give information about the 

culture of its creator and user. 

The visual arts are art objects created or whose products are to be appreciated by sight, 

such as graphics, ceramics, fashion, painting, sculpture and filmmaking as contrasted with 

literature and music. Visual art also known in some circle as plastic  art objects, this are 

contrasted with the performing arts These includes the following: drawing, painting, 

printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, design, craft and 

architecture., Many artistic disciplines such as performing arts, conceptual arts, and textile art 

also involve aspects of visual arts as well as art of other types.  

 

Some Art History and Sociology of Art Writers 

Art writers such as Friedrich Schiller and Johnson Joachim Winckelmann who profoundly 

shaped the modern discipline of art history, and early sociologists such as Karl Max Weber who 

have discussed art history and sociology in terms of their cultural value to society are important 

studies students should study. 

 

1. Art history, sociology and the genesis of modernity? 

2. The social and cultural origins of sociology 

3, Autonomy of Art and the Origins of art history 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

79 
 

4. Art and Society in the Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century art history writing 

5. Disciplinary formations: from kulturgeschichte to art history and the sociology of art 

6. Art history for art history's sake: Wolfflin, Panofsky, Mannheim and the problem of art 

interpretation? 

7. Sociology and art history: conflict and confrontations 

8. Sociology and art history: the new syntheses 

9. Art and its contexts in art history and Sociology 

 

A critical research program for the sociology of art 

This course description and outline is unique in two ways first, graduate students will 

collectively construct the course syllabus, thereby ensuring that their respective substantive 

interests are addressed. Second, graduate students will take the lead in detailed discussions that 

address important theoretical and empirical concerns. By the end of the semester, then, students 

should be well-versed in the sociology of the arts and well-equipped to pursue their work in this 

area. 

 

Sociological discussion as it affects the sociology of arts 

Sociology of art as it relates to the environment. 

What is the Inter-relationship between sociology and other discipline and its effect on human 

development? 

 

1. African/Western phenomenon of artistic creativity 

2. Art history, criticism and appreciation  

3. Artist, audience (art critics, curator, media) their economic and cultural environment as well as 

their historical and social context 

4. Art production 

5. Culture 

6. Information and technology, internet and digital media 

7. Environment and disaster 

8. Human ecology, architecture, visual space 

9. Family, Childhood, Gender, Furmenty  

10. Health illness and medical  

11, Death, dying, bereavement 

Students should be encouraged to write term papers, assignments and practical products of works 

based on the above topics. 

Art Production 

 

Sociological and sociology of art studies in the following areas: 

1. Culture 

2. Information and technology, internet and digital media 

3. Environment and disaster 

4. Human ecology, architecture, visual space 

5. Family, Childhood, Gender, Furmenty  



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

80 

 

6. Health illness and medical  

7. Death, dying, bereavement 

 

Some Key figures in the Sociology of arts 

Howard Saul Becker (born April 18, 1828) is an American sociologist who has made a 

major contribution to the sociology of deviance, the sociology of art, and the sociology of music. 

Becker also wrote extensively on sociological writing styles and methodologies. Becker's 1963 

book Outsiders provide red the foundation for the labelling theory. Becker is often called a 

symbolic interaction or social constructionist. He graduated from the University of Chicago, 

USA. Becker is considered part of the second Chicago School of Sociology, which also includes 

Erving Goffman and Anselm Strauss. Key scholars in the sociology of arts include Howard S. 

Becker, Arnold Hauser and Harrison White. 

Obiora's Udechukwu sociological consciousness in his artworks of the 1980s was mainly 

focused on those who were being seriously stabbed with hunger. These works in terms of his 

theme are all sociological problems that confront humans in our society. Among his works are, 

War, baggers, refugees, poverty, and People in exile. These works titled “Road to Abuja" depicts 

the artist's interest in social issues. In this artwork, one can see many people in the movement to 

plan the new capital of Nigeria, hoping to gain from it, these are businessmen and women. The 

work in addition depicts two types of people, the affluent and the powerful. 

Throughout his artworks, it is clear that the artistic and socio-political expression shows 

how he devoted his art and life to the course of the oppressed in society. Several artists recognize 

the socio-political potential or relevance of artwork, this artist in their or through their works 

septic 

The following artist of the Nsukka school and their unique creative, cultural and 

intellectual contribution to the development of the sociology of art in Nigeria should be 

recognised in this creative writing/ contribution to art in general. 

Some of these artists are Obiora Udechukwu, Olu Oguibe, and Krdz Ikwuemesi who are 

still practising and devoting their professional activities to various societal issues and problems 

in Nigeria. Those in their various areas of artistic endeavour demonstrated a high level of 

draughtsman, printmaking, poetry and paintings, and have also been discussed very critically and 

analytically in their work as it affects society. These entire artists were mostly painters who 

particularly made their art not only of social and economic issues but also a vigorous expression 

of ordinary events in people’s lives. These mentioned artists also saw art as a tool of sociological 

importance, through their works, it is important to acknowledge the socio-economic, cultural and 

political consciousness like those of other African nations.  

Nigerian artists should start seeing their importance in this regard by redefining their 

philosophy and seeing themselves as the historians and sociologist of society. It is necessary to 

look at artistic issues from a philosophical concept or perspective by constantly contributing to 

society through artwork to give people or show them their rightful place in society. The social, 

cultural, economic, political and creative experience of the artist should be recognised. The 

theory of the sociology of art should be the use of or production of art images that offer positive 

and feasible solutions to humanitarian problems and issues. Art in many circles has been 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

81 
 

recognized and seen as the sociological tool and creative medium that is "conditioned by human 

nature and social order". 

 

What is the social significance of art? 

Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences 

across space and time. Research has also shown that art affects the fundamental sense of itself. 

Painting, sculpture, music, literature and other arts are often considered to be the repository of 

the society's collective memory. 

 

The individual, society and Art 

How are money and power related to producing art and culture? On what condition can 

art be in political opposition? Where do you draw the line between art and popular art? Art has 

important social and educational roles to perform in our lives and that of society in general. An 

involvement with art can serve us personally and psychologically. In addition, art is essential to 

maintaining a healthy economy. Enhancing the appearance of objects, whether they be 

utilitarian, recreational, religious and/or commemorative, is the most obvious and pervasive 

function of art. It would be hard to imagine a world devoid of art. Almost everything 

manufactured (as opposed to what is natural) that we see or use is, at least in part, the result of 

making choices and decisions that involve us in the aesthetic aspects of experience. Although 

most manufactured or contrived objects and events would not be classified primarily as works of 

art, they are the result of humans deciding to make something appear to be, for instance, elegant, 

comfortable, or high-tech in appearance. In other words, an arrangement of visual elements -- 

shapes, colours, textures, etc. -- has been created for expressive purposes, which is one way to 

define art. 

Cultural and historical context also come into play when one considers more direct 

influences of the past upon the present. Some contemporary artists employ acknowledged 

masterworks as the subject of their works. Modifications are normally made by artists that can 

change the theme of a given work, which makes the work more relevant to contemporary issues 

and values. An example of this process – is where the old is the source of inspiration for the new.  

 An important psychological function for art is to create an awareness of subjective reality 

because works of art reflect and give form to our inner thoughts and feelings, making them 

public and, therefore, perceivable and knowable. Works of art can offer convincing insights into 

a wide range of ideas, moods and passions derived from the collection of human experience. The 

most important function of art is to contribute towards the development of human society in 

general by stimulating the imagination and expanding our perception of ideas. The Function of 

an artwork depends on context; it is important and ideally, to look at a piece and know where it 

came from and when. 

The best-case scenario includes identifying the artist, as well, because the artist is the 

main actor. What was the artist thinking at the time s/he created this?). The viewer is second in 

command. What does this piece of art mean to you, living right now?). These are all factors that 

should be considered before trying to assign functions or meaning. Besides, taking anything out 

of context can lead to misunderstanding. Other functions are personal, social or physical. These 

categories can, and (often) do, overlap in any given piece of art. The physical functions of art are 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

82 

 

most easily dealt with. Works of art that are created to perform some service have physical 

functions, ceramics ware are produced to serve a physical function. Architecture, any of the 

crafts and industrial design are all types of art that have physical functions. Art has social 

functions when it addresses aspects of (collective) life, as opposed to one person's point of view 

or experience. Art that depicts social conditions performs social functions. Sometimes having 

specific pieces of art in a community can perform the social function of elevating that 

community's status. The personal functions of art are the most difficult to explain in any great 

detail. There are many of them, and they vary from person to person. 

An artist may create out of a need for self-expression, or gratification. S/he might have 

wanted to communicate a thought or point to the viewer. Perhaps the artist was trying to provide 

an aesthetic experience, both for self and viewers. A piece might have been meant to "merely" 

entertain others. Sometimes a piece isn't meant to have any meaning at all. 

 

Cultural-historical context of works of art 

When an artist start provides an answer to the following types of questions, which will 

help learn about the cultural and historical context of art. When and where was the work 

produced? Who created the work of art, and what were the artist's motivations? How was the 

work created and what were the sources for the artist's particular approach? What is the style of 

the work and how does it relate to the world of art? The answers to these questions provide 

insights into a work of art that enable a more comprehensive response to the work. Without such 

information, an informed understanding of its content, its iconography, and a genuine 

appreciation for its relative significance are not possible. These latter categories are essential to 

engaging in art criticism. 

 

Socio-cultural functions of art 

Works of art are significant players in the evolution of culture in that they contribute both 

to cultural continuity and through innovations in forms and techniques, to cultural change. It is 

good to note that works of art give form to fundamental beliefs and feelings when such works are 

employed; they serve as culture carriers in communication. Such works make a significant 

contribution to transmitting ideas, values and attitudes from person to person and from 

generation to generation. Beliefs in the mystical and all-powerful role of natural forces or the 

possibility of an immortal existence in paradise would be extremely difficult to communicate 

without such works. Art forms are essential to engage in the rituals that serve as the ingredients 

required to nurture and sustain any society.  

Art functions in a myriad of ways for individuals and society. A life without art or a 

society devoid of art would not only be uninteresting, it would be unthinkable. It appears that 

humans instinctively seek to enhance and beautify their lives. The visual arts and other art forms 

-- literature, music, dance, theatre, and film - range from very primitive to very sophisticated 

models of expression and communication. Social contraction takes place between artists, their 

audience (art critics, curators and the media etc,) their economic and cultural environment as 

well as their historical and social context. 

 

 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

83 
 

 

Some Classical Writers of the Course 

Karl Marx 

Marxism and art history 

(a) Social being and social consciousness 

(b) Art and ideology 

(c) Historical development and cultural traditions 

 

MAX WEBER 

Art and cultural Rationalization 

(a) Magical religion, salvation religion and evolution of art 

(b) The tension between art and ethical religion 

(c) Art and rationalization in the Western world. 

 

GEORG SIMMEL 

Symmetry and social organization 

 

EMILE DURKHEIM 

Social structure-material culture and symbolic communication 

(a) Symbolic meaning and objectification 

(b) Symbolic objects, communicative interaction and social creativity 

 

THE SOCIAL PRODUCTION OF ART 

Art, Institutions and Production of Culture 

Production Perspectives in Art History and the Sociology of Art 

Raymond Williams 

 

Marxism and The Social Production Of Art 

(a) Productive Forces 

(b) From Reflection to Mediation 

Howard S. Berker 

Art as collective action 

 

PIERRE BOURDIEU 

But who created the creators 

The Sociology of the Artist 

The Lives and death of the creative artist 

Statues and role in the sociology of Artist 

Rethinking creativity: the question of artistic agency 

Arnold Hauser 

 

The Social Statues of the Renaissance Artist 

Natalie Heinich 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

84 

 

The Van Gogh Effect 

An Artistic Paradigm 

A New Order 

 

The Test of Posterity 

A Religion Of Art 

Norbert Elias 

 

Craftsmen's Art and Artists 'Art 

David Brain 

 

Material Agency and The Art Of Artifacts 

The Art of Artifacts 

The Practical Logic of Modernism 

 

Museums and the Social Construction of High Culture 

Introduction 

Art and Mass Culture in the critical theory of Frankfurt School 

Art lovers, cultural capital and social stratification 

The institutionalization of high culture 

The art museum: social organization and cultural agents 

Revaluing high culture 

Jurgen Habermas 

 

Art Criticism and the Institutions Of The Public Sphere 

Pierre Bourdieu 

Outline of A Sociological Theory of Art Perception 

Paul Dimaggio 

Cultural Entrepreneurship in Nineteenth-Century Boston 

The Creation of an Organizational Base for High Culture In America 

The Predecessor’s Organizational Models before the Gilded Age 

The Context of Cultural Capitalism 

Cultural Entrepreneurship: The Museum Of Fine Arts 

The Brahmins as Organization -Forming Class 

 

Sociology, Aesthetic Form and Specificity of Art 

Introduction 

Integrating Art Analysis in the Sociology of Art 

Art Styles, Social Groups, Social Structures 

Art and Material Culture 

Karl Mannheim 

The Dynamics of Spiritual Realities 

Robert Witkin 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

85 
 

Van Eyck through the Looking Glass 

Van Eyck Compromise With Perceptual -Realism 

The Painting -A Formal Analysis 

Talcott Parsons 

 

Art as Expressive Symbolism: 

Action Theory and the Sociology of Art 

(a) Expressive symbolism and Social Interaction 

The role of the artist 

(b) The Cultural Elaboration of Expressive meaning and the Evolution of Art 

Cathectic meaning and expressive symbols 

The cultural base of expressive meaning 

The evolution of expressive culture 

 

Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences 

across space and time. The sociology of arts permits a diverse range of methodological 

approaches to the relationship between societies and cultural objects. In order words, art can 

reveal certain aspects of society that other social phenomena cannot.  

The sociology of culture, and the related cultural sociology, concerns the systematic 

analysis of culture, understanding as the ensemble of symbolic codes used for a member of a 

society as it manifests in the society. 

For George Simmel, culture referred to “the cultivation of individual through the agency 

of external forms which have been objectified in the course of history”. Culture in the 

sociological field is analyzed as the way of thinking and describing, acting, and material objects 

that together shape a group of people’s way of .life  

Contemporary sociologist's approach to culture is often divided between a Sociology of 

culture and culture of sociology the terms are similar though not interchangeable. Social 

organization, custom and traditions, symbols, norms, religion, language, Art and literature, 

Forms of Government, Economic systems, Artifacts, social institution  

 

Common Points of Departure for Marx, Wener, and Durkheim 

All three were preoccupied with the Great Transformation Polony that occurred with the 

industrialization and urbanization of Europe in the 19th century. All three of them applauded 

Darwin's work. Again, three of them analyzed the contexts e.g. structure that shaped market 

exchanges. More, the three Theorists can be considered structures but they focused on different 

types of structures. For Marx, think about factories that convert natural recourses into 

commodities through human labour. For Weber, think about norms, but also about offices that 

contain bureaucracies that enforce norms. For Durkheim, think about norms, but also about cities 

that house different kinds of occupational specialists with different distinct sets of norms. 

Marx conceived of societies largely as factories and cities that looked for massive 

amounts of resources and used them to spew out a continuing stream of communities and 

massive amounts of pollution. 

 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

86 

 

Social Construction 

Social construction does not have inherent meaning. The only meaning is the one given to it by 

people  

 

How is art a social Construct? 

One of the first interactions between the artists' works is the influences that other artists 

have had on the person. An artist may believe that everything they make comes from solely 

within themselves, but someone before made an impression on them, and in turn, their work. 

 

Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann wrote a book called The Social Construction of Reality. 

In it, they argued that society is created by humans and human interaction, which is called 

habitualization. In other words, society is, in fact, a habit. 

 

I. The Thomas theorem states that people’s behaviour can be determined by their subjective 

construction of reality rather than by objective reality. In other words the belief and 

behaviour of a group of people can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where even a false 

idea can become true if it is acted upon if people act upon this false belief it  because true 

in its consequences 

 

What is meant by Social Construction? 

An idea that has been created and accepted by people in a society, class destruction is a social 

construct. 

 

What is a Museum? 

It is an institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of 

lasting interest or value. American Museum of National History is also a place where objects are 

exhibited an art museum. A museum can be a building where a large number of interesting and 

valuable objects, such as works of art or historical items are kept, studied and displayed by the 

public. 

 

Why is museum important? 

A museum plays a crucial role in preserving local culture, with careful documentation 

and artifact preservation, a culture can be recorded and remembered regardless of its future. It 

can also be shared and understood by those from different cultural backgrounds. 

 

Sociology of art, film and music 

The sociology of arts is a subset of the sociology of culture. This field studies the social 

production of artistic objects and its social implications. None of the founding fathers of 

sociology produced a detailed study of art, but they did develop ideas that were subsequently 

applied to literature by others. Marx's theory of ideology was directed at literature by Pierre 

Macherey, Terry Eagleton and Fredric Jameson. Weber's theory of modernity as cultural 

rationalization, which he applied to music, was later applied to all the arts.  

 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

87 
 

Symbolic interaction 

Symbolic interaction; often associated with interactions, the approach focuses on creating 

a framework for building a theory that sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of 

individuals. Society is nothing more than the shared reality that people construct as they interact 

with one another. This approach sees people interacting in countless settings using symbolic 

communications to accomplish the tasks at hand. Therefore, society is a complex, ever-changing 

mosaic of subjective meanings. Some critics of this approach argue that it only looks at what is 

happening in a particular social situation, and disregards the effects that culture, race or gender 

(i.e. social-historical structures) may have in that situation. Some important sociologists 

associated with this approach include Max Weber, George Herbert Mead, Erving Goffman, 

George Homans and Peter Blau.  

 

Sociology Research Method in the Social Sciences 

Traditional socialist focuses on social stratification, social class, social mobility, religion, 

secularization, law, sexuality and deviance in their discourse. As all spheres of human activity 

are affected by the interplay between social structure and individual agency, it is good to be 

aware that sociology has gradually expanded its focus to further subjects, such as health, 

medical, military and penal institutions, the Internet, education, and the role of social activity in 

the development of scientific knowledge. The range of social scientific methods has also 

expanded. Social researchers draw upon a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The 

end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s have seen the rise of new analytically, 

mathematically and computationally rigorous techniques, such as agent-based modelling and 

social network analysis. 

Social research informs politicians and policymakers, educators, planners, lawmakers, 

administrators, developers, business magnates, managers, social workers, non-governmental 

organizations, non-profit organizations, and people interested in resolving social issues in 

general. There is often a great deal of crossover between social research, market research, and 

other statistical fields. 

Sociological research methods may be divided into two broad categories: Quantitative 

designs approach social phenomena through quantifiable evidence, and often rely on statistical 

analysis of many cases (or across intentionally designed treatments in an experiment) to create 

valid and reliable general claims. Qualitative designs emphasize understanding social 

phenomena through direct observation, communication with participants, or analysis of texts and 

may stress contextual and subjective accuracy over generality 

The choice of method often depends largely on what the researcher intends to investigate. 

For example, a researcher concerned with drawing a statistical generalization across an entire 

population may administer a survey questionnaire to a representative sample population. By 

contrast, a researcher who seeks a full contextual understanding of an individual's social actions 

may choose ethnographic participant observation or open-ended interviews. Studies will 

commonly combine, or 'triangulate', quantitative and qualitative methods as part of a 'multi-

strategy' design. For instance, a quantitative study may be performed to gain statistical patterns 

or a target sample, and then combined with a qualitative interview to determine the play of 

agency. 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

88 

 

Sampling 

Quantitative methods are often used to ask questions about a population that is very large, 

making a census or a complete enumeration of all the members of that population infeasible. A 

'sample' then forms a manageable subset of a population. In quantitative research, statistics are 

used to draw inferences from this sample regarding the population as a whole. The process of 

selecting a sample is referred to as 'sampling'. While it is usually best to sample randomly, 

concern with differences between specific subpopulations sometimes calls for stratified 

sampling. Conversely, the impossibility of random sampling sometimes necessitates non-

probability sampling, such as convenience sampling. 

 

Methods 

The following list of research methods is neither exclusive nor exhaustive: 

Archival research or the Historical method: draws upon the secondary data located in historical 

archives and records, such as biographies, memoirs, journals, and so on. 

 

Content analysis: The content of interviews and other texts is systematically analysed. Often data 

is 'coded' as a part of the 'grounded theory' approach using qualitative data analysis. 

 

Experimental research: The researcher isolates a single social process and reproduces it in a 

laboratory (for example, by creating a situation where unconscious sexist judgments are 

possible), seeking to determine whether or not certain social variables can cause, or depend 

upon, other variables (for instance, seeing if people's feelings about traditional gender roles can 

be manipulated by the activation of contrasting gender stereotypes).  Participants are randomly 

assigned to different groups that either serve as controls—acting as reference points because they 

are tested about the dependent variable, albeit without having been exposed to any independent 

variables of interest—or receive one or more treatments. Randomization allows the researcher to 

be sure that any resulting differences between groups are the result of the treatment. 

 

Longitudinal study: An extensive examination of a specific person or group over a long period. 

 

Observation: Using data from the senses, the researcher records information about social 

phenomena or behaviour. Observation techniques may or may not feature participation. In 

participant observation, the researcher goes into the field (such as a community or a place of 

work), and participates in the activities of the field for a prolonged time to acquire a deep 

understanding of it.  Data acquired through these techniques may be analyzed either 

quantitatively or qualitatively. 

 

Survey research: The researcher gathers data using interviews, questionnaires, or similar 

feedback from a set of people sampled from a particular population of interest. Survey items 

from an interview or questionnaire may be open-ended or closed-ended. Data from surveys is 

usually analyzed statistically on a computer. 

 

 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

89 
 

Computational sociology 

Sociologists increasingly draw upon computationally intensive methods to analyze and 

model social phenomena. Using computer simulations, artificial intelligence, text mining, 

complex statistical methods, and new analytic approaches like social network analysis and social 

sequence analysis, computational sociology develops and tests theories of complex social 

processes through bottom-up modelling of social interactions. 

Although the subject matter and methodologies in social science differ from those in 

natural science or computer science, several of the approaches used in contemporary social 

simulation originated from fields such as physics and artificial intelligence. By the same token, 

some of the approaches that originated in computational sociology have been imported into the 

natural sciences, such as measures of network centrality from the fields of social network 

analysis and network science. In the relevant literature, computational sociology is often related 

to the study of social complexity. Social complexity concepts such as complex systems, non-

linear interconnection among macro and micro processes, and emergence, have entered the 

vocabulary of computational sociology. A practical and well-known example is the construction 

of a computational model in the form of an "artificial society", by which researchers can analyze 

the structure of a social system. 

 

Sociology of culture and Cultural studies 

Sociologists' approach to culture can be divided into a "sociology of culture" and 

"cultural sociology"—the terms are similar, though not entirely interchangeable. The sociology 

of culture is an older term and considers some topics and objects as more-or-less "cultural" than 

others. Conversely, cultural sociology sees all social phenomena as inherently cultural. 

Sociology of culture often attempts to explain certain cultural phenomena as a product of social 

processes, while cultural sociology sees culture as a potential explanation of social phenomena. 

Cultural sociology often involves the hermeneutic analysis of words, artefacts and symbols. 

Some sociologists employ historical-comparative or quantitative techniques in the analysis of 

culture,. Cultural Studies aims to examine its subject matter in terms of cultural practices and 

their relation to power. 

 

Communications and information technologies 

The sociology of communications and information technologies includes "the social 

aspects of computing, the Internet, new media, computer networks, and other communication 

and information technologies". 

 

Sociology of the Internet and Digital sociology 

The Internet is of interest to sociologists in various ways; most practically as a tool for 

research and as a discussion platform. The sociology of the Internet in the broad sense regards 

the analysis of online communities (e.g. newsgroups, social networking sites) and virtual worlds, 

thus there is often overlap with community sociology. Online communities may be studied 

statistically through network analysis or interpreted qualitatively through virtual ethnography. 

Closely related to the sociology of the Internet, is digital sociology, which expands the scope of 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

90 

 

study to address not only the internet but also the impact of the other digital media and devices 

that have emerged since the first decade of the twenty-first century. 

 

Media studies 

Media study is a distinct discipline that owes to the convergence of sociology and other 

social sciences and humanities, in particular, literary criticism and critical theory. Though the 

production process or the critique of aesthetic forms is not in the remit of sociologists, analyses 

of socializing factors, such as ideological effects and audience reception, stem from sociological 

theory and method. Thus the 'sociology of the media' is not a sub-discipline per se, but the media 

is a common and often-indispensable topic. 

 

Environmental sociology and Sociology of disaster 

Environmental sociology is the study of human interactions with the natural environment,  

social impacts of those problems, and efforts to resolve them. Attention is paid also to the 

processes by which environmental problems become defined and known to humans. As argued 

by notable environmental sociologist John Bellamy Foster, the predecessor to modern 

environmental sociology is Marx's analysis of the metabolic rift, which influenced contemporary 

thought on sustainability. Environmental sociology is often interdisciplinary and overlaps with 

the sociology of risk, rural sociology and the sociology of disaster. 

 

Human ecology, Architectural sociology, Visual sociology and Sociology of space 

Human ecology deals with the interdisciplinary study of the relationship between humans 

and their natural, social, and built environments. In addition to Environmental sociology, this 

field overlaps with architectural sociology, urban sociology, and to some extent visual sociology. 

In turn, visual sociology—which is concerned with all visual dimensions of social life—overlaps 

with media studies in that it utilizes photography, film and other technologies of media. 

 

Sociology of the family, Sociology of childhood, Sociology of gender, Feminist sociology, 

Feminist theory and Queer theory 

A family is a group of people who are related by kinship ties: - Relations of 

blood/marriage / civil partnership or adoption. Family, gender and sexuality form a broad area of 

inquiry studied in many sub-fields of sociology. The family unit is one of the most important 

social institutions found in some form in nearly all known societies. It is the basic unit of social 

organization and plays a keyhole in socializing children into the culture of their society. The 

sociology of the family examines the family, as an institution and unit of socialization, with 

special concern for the comparatively modern historical emergence of the nuclear family and its 

distinct gender roles.  

Feminist sociology, on the other hand, is a normative sub-field that observes and critiques 

the cultural categories of gender and sexuality, particularly concerning power and inequality. The 

primary concern of feminist theory is the patriarchy and the systematic oppression of women 

apparent in many societies, both at the level of small-scale interaction and in terms of the broader 

social structure. Feminist sociology also analyses how gender interlocks with race and class to 

produce and perpetuate social inequalities. The social psychology of gender, on the other hand, 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

91 
 

uses experimental methods to uncover the micro-processes of gender stratification. For example, 

one recent study has shown that resume evaluators penalize women for motherhood while giving 

a boost to men for fatherhood. 

 

Sociology of Health and Illness and Medical sociology 

The sociology of health and illness focuses on the social effects of, and public attitudes 

toward, illnesses, diseases, mental health and disabilities. This sub-field also overlaps with 

gerontology and the study of the ageing process. Medical sociology, by contrast, focuses on the 

inner workings of medical organizations and clinical institutions.  

The sociology of the body and embodiment takes a broad perspective on the idea of "the 

body" and includes "a wide range of embodied dynamics including human and non-human 

bodies, morphology, human reproduction, anatomy, body fluids, biotechnology, and genetics. 

This often intersects with health and illness, but also theories of bodies as political, social, 

cultural, economic and ideological productions.  

 

Death, dying, bereavement 

A subfield of the sociology of health and illness that overlaps with cultural sociology is 

the study of death, dying and bereavement, sometimes referred to broadly as the sociology of 

death.  

 

Sociology of knowledge, Sociology of scientific knowledge, Sociology of the history of 

science and Sociology of science 

The sociology of knowledge is the study of the relationship between human thought and 

the social context within which it arises, and of the effects prevailing ideas have on societies.  

The sociology of science involves the study of science as a social activity, especially dealing 

"with the social conditions and effects of science, and with the social structures and processes of 

scientific activity. 

 

Sociology of leisure and Sociology of sport 

The sociology of leisure is the study of how humans organize their free time. Leisure 

includes a broad array of activities, such as sports, tourism, and the playing of games. The 

sociology of leisure is closely tied to the sociology of work, as each explores a different side of 

the work-leisure relationship. More recent studies in the field move away from the work-leisure 

relationship and focus on the relationship between leisure and culture.  

 

Peace and conflict studies, Military sociology and Sociology of terrorism 

This is a subfield of sociology studies, broadly, the dynamics of war, conflict resolution, 

peace movements, war refugees, conflict resolution and military institutions. As a subset of this 

subfield, military sociology aims toward the systematic study of the military as a social group 

rather than as an organization. It is a highly specialized sub-field which examines issues related 

to service personnel as a distinct group with coerced collective action based on shared interests 

linked to survival in vocation and combat, with purposes and values that are more defined and 

narrow than within civil society. Military sociology also concerns civilian-military relations and 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

92 

 

interactions between other groups or governmental agencies. Topics include the dominant 

assumptions held by those in the military, changes in military members' willingness to fight, 

military unionization, military professionalism, the increased utilization of women, the military 

industrial-academic complex, the military's dependence on research, and the institutional and 

organizational structure of the military. 

 

Social psychology (sociology) and Psychoanalytic sociology 

Sociological social psychology focuses on micro-scale social actions. It examines the 

whole society through the study of individual thoughts and emotions as well as the behavior of 

small groups. Of special concern to psychological sociologists is how to explain a variety of 

demographic, social, and cultural facts in terms of human social interaction. Some of the major 

topics in this field are social inequality, group dynamics, prejudice, aggression, social perception, 

group behaviour, social change, non-verbal behaviour, socialization, conformity, leadership, and 

social identity. Social psychology may be taught with psychological emphasis. In sociology, 

researchers in this field are the most prominent users of the experimental method (however, 

unlike their psychological counterparts, they also frequently employ other methodologies). 

Social psychology looks at social influences, as well as social perception and social interaction. 

 

Sociology and the other academic disciplines 

Sociology overlaps with a variety of disciplines that study society, in particular 

anthropology, political science, economics, social work and social philosophy. Many 

comparative fields such as communication studies, cultural studies, demography and literary 

theory, draw upon methods that originated in sociology. The terms "social science" and "social 

research" have both gained a degree of autonomy since they originated in classical sociology. 

The distinct field of social psychology emerged from the many intersections of sociological and 

psychological interests and is further distinguished in terms of sociological or psychological 

emphasis. 

Sociology and applied sociology are connected to the professional and academic 

discipline of social work. Both disciplines study social interactions, community and the effect of 

various systems (i.e. family, school, community, laws, and political sphere) on the individual.  

However, social work is generally more focused on practical strategies to alleviate social 

dysfunctions; sociology, in general, provides a thorough examination of the root causes of these 

problems.  

Social anthropology is the branch of anthropology that studies how contemporary 

humans behave in social groups. Practitioners of social anthropology, like sociologists, 

investigate various facets of social organization. Traditionally, social anthropologists analyzed 

non-industrial and non-Western societies, whereas sociologists focused on industrialized 

societies in the Western world. In recent years, however, social anthropology has expanded its 

focus to modern Western societies, meaning that the two disciplines increasingly converge. 

 

List of Sociology Journals 

The most highly-ranked general journals which publish original research in the field of 

sociology are the American Journal of Sociology and the American Sociological Review. The 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

93 
 

Annual Review of Sociology, which publishes original review essays, is also highly ranked.  

Many other generalist and specialized journals exist. 

 

Conclusion 

Sociology of arts which is a sub-field of sociology concerns the artistic production of 

works and its social and aesthetic implication. To a broad extent, it is the study of the sociology 

of art throughout history or it is the social art history and how the various societies have 

contributed to the appearance of a certain artist. The sociology of art can also be seen as the 

creation of artworks or objects that in one way or the other affects the individual and the society. 

This work looked at: the sociology and art history, art history, sociology, and genesis of 

modernity, social production of art, classical sociology theory,  sociology of art and art history: 

conflict and confrontation, art and society, museum and social construction of culture and others,  

 

Chosen reference is to the visual arts and the growing role of images in contemporary 

culture 

Griswold, Wendy. 1987. “A Methodological Framework for the Sociology of Culture.” 

Sociological Methodology 17: 1-35. 

 

The Institutionalization of High Culture 

Blau, Judith R. 1996. “The Toggle Switch of Institutions: Religion and Art in the U.S. in the 

Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries.” Social Forces 74: 1159-1177. 

DiMaggio, Paul. 1987. “Classification in Art.” American Sociological Review 52: 440- 455. 

DiMaggio, Paul. 1992. “Cultural Boundaries and Structural Change: The Extension of the High 

Culture Model to Theater, Opera, and Dance, 1900-1940.” Pages 21-57 in Cultivating 

Differences: Symbolic Boundaries and the Making of Inequality, edited by Michele Lamont and 

Marcel Fournier. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 

Elias, Norbert. 1993. Mozart: Portrait of a Genius. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 

Pages 3-63 and 111-130. 

Levine, Lawrence W. 1984. “William Shakespeare and the American People: A Study in 

Cultural Transformation.” American Historical Review 89:34-66 

 

Cultural Capital 

DiMaggio, Paul. 1982. “Cultural Capital and School Success: The Impact of Status Culture 

Participation on the Grades of U.S. High School Students.” American Sociological Review 47: 

189-201. 

DiMaggio, Paul and John Mohr. 1985. “Cultural Capital, Educational Attainment, and Marital 

Selection.” American Journal of Sociology 90: 1231-1261. 

DiMaggio, Paul and FrancieOstrower. 1990. “Participation in the Arts by Black and White 

Americans.” Social Forces 68: 753-778. 

Dumais, Susan A. 2002. “Cultural Capital, Gender, and School Success: The Role of Habitus.” 

Sociology of Education 75: 44-68. 

Ostrower, Francie. 1998. “The Arts as Cultural Capital among Elites: Bourdieu's Theory 

Reconsidered.” Poetics 26: 43-53.  



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

94 

 

The Active Reception of the Arts 

Crane, Diana. 1999. “Gender and Hegemony in Fashion Magazines: Women's Interpretations of 

Fashion Photographs.” Sociological Quarterly 40: 541-563. 

Hennion, Antoine. 2002. “Music Lovers: Taste as Performance.” Theory Culture & Society 18: 

1-22. 

 

Innovation and Diversity in the Arts 

Blair, Helen and Al Rainnie. 2000. “Flexible Films?” Media, Culture & Society 22: 187-204. 

Crane, Diana. 1997. “Globalization, Organizational Size, and Innovation in the French Luxury 

Fashion Industry: Production of Culture Theory Revisited.” Poetics 24: 393-414 

Trajtenberg, Graciela. 2003. “Modernisms in Action: Comparing the Relationship between 

Visual Arts, Social Classes and Politics in Israeli Nation-Building.” Comparative Social 

Research 21: 87-109. 

Zolberg, Vera L. 1980. “Displayed Art and Performed Music: Selective Innovation and the 

Structure of Artistic Media.” Sociological Quarterly 21: 219-231.  

 

Globalization and the Arts 

Appadurai, Arjun. 1990. “Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy.” Public 

Culture 2: 1-24.  

Griswold, Wendy. 1992. "The Writing on the Mud Wall: Nigerian Novels and the Imaginary 

Village." American Sociological Review 57: 709-724. 

Mukerji, Chandra. 1979. “Mass Culture and the Modern World-System: The Rise of the Graphic 

Arts.” Theory & Society 8: 245-268.  

 

Chosen reference is to the visual arts and the growing role of images in contemporary 

culture 

Clignet, Remi. 1979. “The Variability of Paradigms in the Production of Culture: A Comparison 

of the Arts and Sciences.” American Sociological Review 44: 392-409. 

Griswold, Wendy. 1987. “A Methodological Framework for the Sociology of Culture.” 

Sociological Methodology 17: 1-35. 

Mohr, John. 1998. “Measuring Meaning Structures.” Annual Review of Sociology 24: 345-370. 

 

Early Statements in the Sociology of the Arts 

Schutz, Alfred. 1951. “Making Music Together: A Study in Social Relationships.” Social 

Research 18: 76-97. 

Simmel, Georg. 1957. “Fashion.” American Journal of Sociology 62: 541-558. 

Sorokin, Pitrim. 1957. Social and Cultural Dynamics: A Study of Change in Major System of Art, 

Truth, Ethics, Law and Social Relations. Chapters 1-6 & 9. 

Tanner, Jeremy. 2003. The Sociology of Art: A Reader. London: Routledge. Introduction, pages 

27-68. 

Weber, Max. 1958. The Rational and Social Foundations of Music. Carbondale, IL: Southern 

University Illinois Press. Chapters 1-2.  

 



Contemporary issues in the Visual Arts in Nigeria 

95 
 

Arts Organizations 

Allmendinger, Jutta and J. Richard Hackman. 1996. “Organizations in Changing Environments: 

The Case of East German Symphony Orchestras.” Administrative Science Quarterly 41: 337-

369. 

Balio, Tino. 1976. United Artists: The Company Built by Stars. Madison, WI: University of 

Wisconsin Press. Preface, and Chapters 1-5. 

Glynn, Mary Ann. 2002. “Chord and Dischord: Organizational Crisis, Institutional Shifts, and 

the Musical Canon of the Symphony.” Poetics 30: 63-85. 

Murningham, J. Keith and Donald E. Conlon. 1991. “The Dynamics of Intense Work Groups: A 

Study of British String Quartets.” Administrative Science Quarterly 36: 165-186. 

Peterson, Karin. 1997. “The Distribution and Dynamics of Uncertainty in Art Galleries: A Case 

Study of New Dealerships in the Parisian Art Market, 1985-1990.” Poetics 25: 241-263. 

 

Work and Career in the Arts 

Fine, Gary Alan. 1996. “Justifying Work: Occupational Rhetorics as Resources in Restaurant 

Kitchens.”Administrative Science Quarterly 41: 90-115. 

Giuffre, Katherine A. 1999. “Sandpiles of Opportunity: Success in the Art World.” Social Forces 

77: 815-832. 

Lachmann, Richard. 1988. “Graffiti as Career and Ideology.” American Journal of Sociology 94: 

229-250. 

Menger, Pierre-Michel. 1999. “Artistic Labor Markets and Careers.” Annual Review of 

Sociology 25: 541-574. 

Tuchman, Gaye and Nina E. Fortin. 1984. “Fame and Misfortune: Edging Women Out of the 

Great Literary Tradition.” American Journal of Sociology 90: 72-96. 

 

Critical Theory and Beyond 

Adorno, Theodor. 1988. “On the Fetish-Character in Music and the Regression of Listening.” 

Pages 270-299 in The Essential Frankfurt Reader, edited by Andrew Arato and Eike Gebhardt. 

New York: Continuum. 

Benjamin, Walter. 1969. “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” Pages 217-

251 in Illuminations, edited by Hannah Arendt. New York: Schocken Books. 

DeNora, Tia. 2003. Beyond Adorno: Rethinking Music Sociology. Cambridge: Cambridge 

University Press. Chapters 1-3, and 6. 

Marcuse, Herbert. 1978. The Aesthetic Dimension: Toward a Critique of Marxist Aesthetics. 

Boston: Beacon Press. 

Witten, Robert W. 2000. “Why Did Adorno ‘Hate’ Jazz?” Sociological Theory 18: 145-170.  

 

Critics and Evaluation 

Anheier, Helmut K. and JurgenGerhards. 1991. “The Acknowledgment of Literary Influence: A 

Structural Analysis of a German Literary Network.” Sociological Forum 6: 137-156. 

Janssen, Susanne. 1997. “Reviewing as Social Practice: Institutional Constraints on Critics' 

Attention for Contemporary Fiction.” Poetics 24: 275-297. 



The Sociology of Visual Arts 

96 

 

Lang, Gladys Engel and Kurt Lang. 1988. “Recognition and Renown: The Survival of Artistic 

Reputation.” American Journal of Sociology 94: 79-109. 

Lopes, Paul. 2002. The Rise of a Jazz Art World. New York: Cambridge University Press. 

Introduction and Chapter 4. 

Peck, Janice. 2002. “The Oprah Effect: Texts, Readers, and the Dialectic of Signification.” 

Communication Review 5: 143-178.  

 

The Institutionalization of High Culture 

DiMaggio, Paul. 1992. “Cultural Boundaries and Structural Change: The Extension of the High 

Culture Model to Theater, Opera, and Dance, 1900-1940.” Pages 21-57 in Cultivating 

Differences: Symbolic Boundaries and the Making of Inequality, edited by Michele Lamont and 

Marcel Fournier Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 

 

Cultural Capital 

Ostrower, Francie. 1998. “The Arts as Cultural Capital among Elites: Bourdieu's Theory 

Reconsidered.” Poetics 26: 43-53.  

 

The Active Reception of the Arts 

Crane, Diana. 1999. “Gender and Hegemony in Fashion Magazines: Women's Interpretations of 

Fashion Photographs.” Sociological Quarterly 40: 541-563.  

 

Innovation and Diversity in the Arts 

Trajtenberg, Graciela. 2003. “Modernisms in Action: Comparing the Relationship between 

Visual Arts, Social Classes and Politics in Israeli Nation-Building.” Comparative Social 

Research 21: 87-109. 

Zolberg, Vera L. 1980. “Displayed Art and Performed Music: Selective Innovation and the 

Structure of Artistic Media.” Sociological Quarterly 21: 219-231.  

 


