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The Affective Turn in Contemporary Political Studies

Felipe Blair

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Published in Politics And The Emotions: The Affective Turn In Contemporary Political Studies

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The affective turn is a recent development in political studies that has led to a renewed interest in the role of emotions in political behavior. This turn has been influenced by several factors, including the rise of affect theory in the social sciences, the increasing availability of data on emotions, and the growing recognition of the importance of emotions in everyday life.

Politics and the Emotions: The Affective Turn in Contemporary Political Studies

by Curt Weldon

5 out of 5

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Origins of the Affective Turn

The affective turn has its roots in the work of scholars such as Raymond Williams, who argued that emotions are not simply private experiences but are also social and political phenomena. Williams' work was later taken up by scholars such as Sara Ahmed, who developed a theory of affect that emphasizes the role of emotions in shaping social and political relations.

Key Concepts of the Affective Turn

The affective turn is characterized by several key concepts, including:

* Affect: Affect is a term that refers to the bodily and emotional responses that we experience in response to our environment. Affect is often distinguished from emotion, which is a more conscious and cognitive experience. * Affective politics: Affective politics refers to the ways in which emotions are used to shape political discourse and action. Affective politics can be used to mobilize support for particular policies, to delegitimize opponents, or to create a sense of community. * Affective publics: Affective publics are groups of people who are brought together by shared emotions. Affective publics can be formed around a variety of issues, such as climate change, racial justice, or gun control.

Implications of the Affective Turn for the Study of Politics

The affective turn has had a significant impact on the study of politics. By focusing on the role of emotions in political behavior, scholars have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which people make political decisions, participate in political processes, and relate to political institutions.

The affective turn has also led to a number of new research questions, such as:

* How do emotions shape political attitudes and beliefs? * How are emotions used to mobilize political support? * What is the relationship between emotions and political violence? * How can emotions be used to promote peace and reconciliation?

Challenges and Controversies Associated with the Affective Turn

The affective turn has also been met with some challenges and controversies. Some critics argue that the affective turn has led to an overemphasis on emotions at the expense of other factors, such as rationality and ideology. Others argue that the affective turn has made it more difficult to make objective judgments about political issues.

Despite these challenges, the affective turn remains an important and growing field of study. By focusing on the role of emotions in political behavior, scholars have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which people make political decisions and participate in political processes.

The affective turn is a significant development in political studies that has led to a renewed interest in the role of emotions in political behavior. By focusing on the role of emotions, scholars have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which people make political decisions, participate in political processes, and relate to political institutions. The affective turn has also led to a number of new research questions, and it is likely to continue to be an important and growing field of study in the years to come.

Politics and the Emotions: The Affective Turn in Contemporary Political Studies

by Curt Weldon

5 out of 5