Policy Press

Emotions in Crisis

Youth and Social Change in Spain

By Nina Margies

Published

Apr 25, 2024

Page count

210 pages

ISBN

978-1529235036

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Apr 25, 2024

Page count

210 pages

ISBN

978-1529235043

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Apr 25, 2024

Page count

210 pages

ISBN

978-1529235043

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Emotions in Crisis

We usually speak of crisis in numbers: decline in purchasing power, rise in unemployment rates or decreasing levels of life satisfaction. But what do people feel when their supposed securities for their futures crumble?

The stories of the young adults after the 2008 economic crisis in Spain provide us with answers. This book shows how their loss of future prospects led to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration and resentment, and how they dealt with these emotions.

Combining the sociology of emotions with Bourdieu's practice theory, Emotions in Crisis analyses the impact of structural changes in society on individual and collective emotions. It shows that adapting to such changes involves 'emotion work' and highlights the different forms this work can take.

“When the world economic crisis hit Spain, solid jobs melted into jobs that were short-term, part-time, lower paid, unpaid, uncertain or gone. Creatively integrating the work of Pierre Bourdieu and other theorists, Margies analyzes the resulting “hysteresis,” emotional responses to it, and ways of dealing with such emotions. A big issue and a very illuminating contribution to the sociology of emotion.” Arlie Hochschild, author of The Managed Heart and Stolen Pride: loss, shame and the rise of the right.

“Nina Margies’ engaging narrative, shaped by an innovative grasp of Bourdieu and Goffman, reveals how crisis provokes emotions which not only reflect despair but also animate agency. This is an important book for our times.” Jack Barbalet, Australian Catholic University

“Nina Margies has written a landmark book, in an innovative and fascinating dialogue between Bourdieu's theory and emotions studies. A groundbreaking portrait of a generation.” Cécile Van de Velde, University of Montreal

Nina Margies is Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the Humboldt University of Berlin.

Introduction

1. Emotions, Structure and Agency

Part 1: Feeling Hysterisis

2. Feeling Stuck: The Impasse

3. Emotional Responses

Part 2: Interpreting and Dealing with Emotions of Hysteresis

4. Individualistic Frames and Individual Backstages

5. Systemic Frames and Collective Spaces for Emotion Work

Part 3: (Re)positioning in the Face of Change

6. Emotional Fulfilment and Work

7. Anger and Work

Conclusion

Appendix: The Research