There is, and I think it nests somewhere in the idea that to the general readership public, "genre" fiction is supposed to be a guilty pleasure, if it is discussed at all, while "literature" is with reading and discussing, despite being much less satisfying to the reader.

It's kind of the macro discussion of the stated reasons for the Puppy slates with regard to the Hugo awards this year - too much highbrow, not enough entertaining story.

Naturally, it's a lot easier to assert your preferences age more valid when you're part of the dominant culture.