Title: Discursive Evolution and Research Trends in American Working-Class Literature Studies

Abstract: Working-class literature studies is emerging as a new area of growth in American literary research, yet conceptual confusion poses obstacles to its development. This paper examines the evolution of class discourse in American literary studies, clarifies core concepts, and identifies current research trends, with the aim of refining conceptual frameworks and advancing scholarly dialogues. American literary studies has witnessed two concentrated waves of class-based research discourse, organized around the core concepts of “proletarian literature” and “working-class literature,” respectively. The latter has expanded upon the former in terms of temporal scope, diversity of authors, and aesthetic forms. Contemporary research on American working-class literature shows the following trends: engaging with current US social class issues, embracing a world literature perspective, and integrating ecocritical approaches. American working-class literature studies holds significant value for expanding the scope of American literary studies, developing viable approaches to literary research within regional and area studies, and demonstrating the potential of literature to engage with social labor issues.

Keywords: American working-class literature, discursive evolution, research trends

Author: Jing Zhao, Ph.D. Candidate, School of Foreign Studies, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.

DOI: 10.19967/j.cnki.flc.2026.01.010