Genre serves not only to structure
like things into
categories (particularly in the fine arts), but can also unfortunately interfere with the
creative process. The way that an artist views their work in comparison to the larger
context of
art history can affect their
view of their own work, and affect the
final product.
Often pieces of art which break the boundaries of genre are the ones which go on to affect the art world the most drastically. For instance, my conception of painting and what constitutes a painting (it hangs on the wall, it is done on canvas, with acrylic or oil paint) would influence my ability to make a painting. Because I approach my art-making process with "baggage", the final product cannot be a completely "free" interpretation of the original content.
Also, in relation to art, "genre paintings" are historically scenes of everyday life.