9 - Prospects for the Sociology of Emotions

Summary

The sociology of emotions, as a systematic field of study in sociology, is now about three decades old. During this time, theoretical and research programs have proliferated, with the result that the study of emotions is now one of the forefront areas of sociological inquiry. Yet, despite the dramatic increase in activity, many conceptual and methodological issues remain unresolved. Even as the field has grown, foundational conceptual issues are still debated, whereas research on emotions has only been cumulative within a rather narrow range of theoretical traditions and with the use of a limited arsenal of research methodologies. There is, then, much to be done in the sociology of emotions. In this last chapter, our goal is to review the key issues that face both theorizing and research on emotions, with some suggestions for how the sociology of emotions should proceed in the future.

CONCEPTUAL ISSUES IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF EMOTIONS

What Are Emotions?

Terms like sentiments, feelings, affect, and emotions are often used rather loosely in theories of emotion. Moreover, some theorists specifically limit inquiry to a particular definition of these terms. More than terminological imprecision is involved in definitional problems. Diverse uses of terms often reflect substantive disputes over what emotions are and how they are generated. Let us review just a few of the key lines of debate.

Biology versus Culture. One line of debate is over whether emotions are hardwired in human neurology or socially constructed.