socially aware novel; social-problem novel
Refers to a genre of novel that focuses on social issues, often with a critical or reformist perspective. Common in discussions of modern Japanese literature.
His latest work is a socially aware novel that depicts a society of disparity.
Social-problem novels often deal with political themes.
Compound of 社会 (society), 派 (school, faction), and 小説 (novel). The term emerged in modern Japanese literary criticism to categorize novels that prioritize social commentary.