What is the social role of literature?

As an art form, literature has many social functions. Some of its functions include: 1. Promotion of cultural identity: literary works can show the differences between different cultures and help readers better understand the way people think and behave in different cultural backgrounds, thus promoting cultural identity and cultural exchange. 2. Inheriting culture: Literature can record and inherit various cultural phenomena, including history, tradition, customs, beliefs, etc., so as to protect and inherit culture. Reflecting society: Literature can reflect social reality and people's lives to help readers understand social history and changes in people's lives, thus promoting social science research and social progress. 4. Promotion of humane education: Literature works can guide readers to think about life, humanity, society and other issues, thus promoting humane education and the improvement of humane quality. 5. Entertainment: Literature can provide entertainment and enjoyment for readers, relieve stress and anxiety in life, and promote physical and mental health and social harmony. Literature has many functions in society. It can not only promote the progress and development of culture, society and humanity, but also provide pleasure and enjoyment for readers.