The Paths of the Italian Young Poets. A Social Network Analysis of the Contemporary Poetic Field

Abstract

This paper explores the social dynamics and the interactions between young poets and the Italian poetic network. More specifically, 70 poets were questioned about their participation in poetic activities and their cultural path. Using Social Network Analysis approach, we obtained preliminary information about the roles and structure of the Italian poetic network. Moreover, the explorative multidimensional analysis of a two-mode network was conducted using Multiple Correspondence Analysis in order to focus on the nature of relational data and the presence of asymmetry between actors and events in the network. The main results show low density network with many isolated experiences, where traditional publishers are still determinant in the building of personal career path and in the distribution network’s support. Moreover, in a market that tends to “squeeze out,” platforms and online journals are strongly emerging as places of co-production and co-distribution of the young poetry in Italy.