Emotion, Social Theory, and Social Structure
A Macrosociological Approach

Unique study re-evaluating the role of emotions in social interaction.

J. M. Barbalet (Author)

9780521003599, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 September 2001

224 pages, 1 table
22.6 x 15.5 x 1.4 cm, 0.36 kg

'I heartily recommend this book to students of the sociology of emotions as well as to sociologists interested in general theoretical issues.' Contemporary Sociology

Emotion, Social Theory, and Social Structure takes sociology in a new direction. It examines key aspects of social structure by using a fresh understanding of emotions categories. Through that synthesis emerge new perspectives on rationality, class structure, social action, conformity, basic rights, and social change. As well as giving an innovative view of social processes, J. M. Barbalet's study also reveals unappreciated aspects of emotions by considering fear, resentment, vengefulness, shame, and confidence in the context of social structure. While much has been written on the social consequences of excessive or pathological emotions, this book demonstrates the centrality of emotions to routine operations of social interaction. Dr Barbalet also re-evaluates the nature of social theory, for once the importance of emotions to social processes becomes clear, the intellectual constitution of sociology, and therefore its history, must be rethought.

Introduction
1. Emotion in social life and social theory
2. Emotion and rationality
3. Class and resentment
4. Action and confidence
5. Conformity and shame
6. Rights, resentment, and vengefulness
7. Fear and change
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Psychological theory & schools of thought [JMA], Social theory [JHBA]