The Politics and Poetics of Everyday Life

Using the concept of the everyday as a lever for social transformation

The Politics and Poetics of Everyday Life by Kristin Ross explores the significance of everyday experiences as a catalyst for social transformation. The author examines various discourses, practices, and forms of knowledge—including philosophy, history, visual arts, and popular fiction—to highlight how the mundane can serve as a powerful lens for understanding and reshaping society. Ross argues that everyday life not only provides insight into social dynamics but also represents the starting point for meaningful change.

The book begins with a reflection on Henri Lefebvre's influential ideas about the everyday, portraying it as both a source of alienation and a foundation for emancipatory movements. This duality emphasizes that while everyday life can be oppressive, it is also where aspirations for freedom and social justice emerge. Ross delves into how individuals and communities navigate their lived realities through various cultural expressions, including literature, painting, and film, with a particular focus on the evolution of detective fiction as a reflection of contemporary society's complexities.

In the final section, Ross addresses current ecological movements, particularly highlighting the protests at Notre-Dame-des-Landes. She positions the everyday as a fertile ground for resistance and creativity, suggesting that ordinary experiences can inspire collective action and social innovation. Overall, the book invites readers to reconsider the significance of the everyday, urging them to recognize its potential as both a site of struggle and a springboard for transformative social change.