Emotions and Social Change ─ Historical and Sociological Perspectives

This edited collection takes a critical perspective on Norbert Elias’s theory of the "civilizing process," through historical essays and contemporary analysis from sociologists and cultural theorists. It focuses on changes in emotional regimes or styles and considers the intersection of emotions and social change, historically and contemporaneously. The book is set in the context of increasing interest among humanities and social science scholars in reconsidering the significance of emotion and affect in society, and the development of empirical research and theorizing around these subjects. Some have labeled this interest as an "affective turn" or a "turn to affect," which suggests a profound and wide-ranging reshaping of disciplines. Building upon complex theoretical models of emotions and social change, the chapters exemplify this shift in analysis of emotions and affect, and suggest different approaches to investigation which may help to shape the direction of sociological and historical thinking and research.

David Lemmings is Professor of History in the School of History and Politics at the University of Adelaide and "Change" Program Leader in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions.

Ann Brooks is a Senior Visiting Research Fellow and Visiting Scholar at the Asia Research Institute, the National University of Singapore, and was previously a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, Department of Sociology, 2011-12. She was Professor of Sociology and Cultural Studies at the University of Adelaide in 2008-11, before becoming part of the Australian Research Council funded Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions, Change Program 2011-17.