The Cultural Politics of Emotion

This book examines how emotions are crucial to politics. Emotions work to define who we are as well as shape what we do. Sara Ahmed explores how emotions are lived and experienced through bodies, as well as how they are named in acts of speech. With reference to debates on international terrorism, asylum and migration, as well as reconciliation and reparation, she suggests that emotions circulate within public culture, as well as shape our encounters with others in everyday life. Ahmed considers how emotions keep us invested in relationships of power, and also shows how emotions might be crucial to feminist and queer politics of resistance. The Cultural Politics of Emotion is in dialogue with recent literature on emotions within gender studies, cultural studies, sociology, psychology and philosophy. new take on the role of emotion in politics*Advances a theory of how emotions work – as part of our lived experience – and the affects they have in our lives*Topical case studies – e.g. global terrorism, refugees and asylum, Australian reconciliation*The author has built something of a reputation for confronting difficult issues