Influential Folklorists to Know for Folklore and Visual Culture

These influential folklorists shaped the study of folklore, emphasizing its cultural significance and evolving nature. Their work connects folklore to visual culture, highlighting how stories and traditions reflect and shape identities within diverse communities.

1. Alan Dundes

   • Pioneered the study of folklore as a serious academic discipline.
   • Coined the term "folklore" as a way to analyze cultural expressions and traditions.
   • Emphasized the importance of context in understanding folklore, including social and cultural factors.

2. Richard Dorson

   • Known as the "father of American folklore," he established folklore studies in the U.S.
   • Advocated for the collection and preservation of American folk traditions.
   • Critiqued the romanticized view of folklore, emphasizing its dynamic and evolving nature.

3. Stith Thompson

   • Developed the "Motif-Index of Folk-Literature," a systematic cataloging of folklore motifs.
   • His work laid the groundwork for comparative folklore studies.
   • Focused on the narrative structures and themes found across different cultures.

4. Vladimir Propp

   • Analyzed Russian fairy tales to identify common narrative structures and functions.
   • Introduced the concept of "morphology" in storytelling, detailing character roles and plot functions.
   • His work influenced narrative theory and the study of folklore worldwide.

5. Claude Lévi-Strauss

   • Applied structuralism to folklore, examining the underlying structures of myths and stories.
   • Argued that folklore reflects the binary oppositions in human thought (e.g., nature vs. culture).
   • His theories expanded the understanding of cultural narratives beyond mere content.

6. Bronislaw Malinowski

   • Emphasized the importance of fieldwork and participant observation in studying cultures.
   • Introduced the concept of "functionalism," focusing on how folklore serves social needs.
   • His work highlighted the interconnectedness of folklore, culture, and daily life.

7. Jacob Grimm

   • Co-authored "Grimm's Fairy Tales," which collected and popularized German folklore.
   • Contributed to the study of linguistics and the historical development of languages.
   • His work emphasized the moral and cultural significance of folk tales.

8. Wilhelm Grimm

   • Collaborated with Jacob Grimm in collecting and preserving German folklore.
   • Focused on the cultural and historical context of the tales, providing insights into German identity.
   • His contributions helped establish folklore as a legitimate field of study.

9. Zora Neale Hurston

   • Collected African American folklore and emphasized its cultural significance.
   • Her work highlighted the importance of oral traditions in understanding African American identity.
   • Advocated for the appreciation of folk culture as a legitimate form of artistic expression.

10. Henry Glassie

    • Focused on the relationship between material culture and folklore.
    • Emphasized the importance of place and context in understanding folk traditions.
    • His work explored how folklore shapes and is shaped by cultural landscapes.

11. Ruth Benedict

    • Explored the relationship between culture and personality in her studies of folklore.
    • Advocated for the idea that folklore reflects the values and beliefs of a society.
    • Her work contributed to the understanding of cultural relativism in folklore studies.

12. Franz Boas

    • Considered the "father of American anthropology," he emphasized cultural relativism.
    • Advocated for the scientific study of folklore as a reflection of cultural practices.
    • His work laid the foundation for modern anthropology and folklore studies.

13. Linda Dégh

    • Focused on the role of folklore in contemporary society and its relevance to modern life.
    • Emphasized the importance of storytelling and oral traditions in cultural identity.
    • Her work highlighted the dynamic nature of folklore as it adapts to changing contexts.

14. Barre Toelken

    • Explored the relationship between folklore and visual culture, particularly in American contexts.
    • Emphasized the importance of performance and context in understanding folklore.
    • His work contributed to the study of folklore as a living, evolving tradition.

15. Dan Ben-Amos

    • Advocated for the study of folklore as a form of cultural expression and communication.
    • Emphasized the importance of context and audience in the interpretation of folklore.
    • His work highlighted the role of folklore in shaping cultural identity and community.