Redutsioonilugu

Redutsioonilugu is a term used in Estonian literary and media criticism to describe a narrative approach that foregrounds reduction: the portrayal of complex phenomena as simplified, single-cause explanations. The concept is a neologism formed from redutsioon (reduction) and lugu (story). It is not a formal theory with a single canonical definition and is used informally to describe analyses or works rather than as a strict methodological label.

Usage and characteristics include examining how a text or media piece narrows multifaceted issues—such as social conflict, historical processes, or policy debates—into a single frame or principle, often at the expense of nuance. Common features include selective narration, emphasis on a dominant causal factor, and an implicit or explicit evaluative stance that may condemn oversimplification. The term is applied across literature, film, journalism, and political rhetoric, especially in discussions of post-truth culture and crisis storytelling.

Reception and scope are limited by its status as a relatively new and informal label; there is no universally accepted definition or corpus of works. Critics use redutsioonilugu to highlight how reductionist storytelling can shape audience understanding, influence public debate, or legitimize particular viewpoints.

See also: reductionism, narrative theory, media literacy, oversimplification in journalism.