Political Agency and the Medicalisation of Negative Emotions

This book explores how negative emotions like anger, fear, and grief drive political action and how treating them as medical problems affects society. It argues that political emotions are fragile and vulnerable to attacks and presents case studies of emotional politics in the UK, including assertions of emotional primitivism and diagnoses of anxiety disorder in the Brexit referendum aftermath.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This captivating book delves into the profound realm of negative emotions, such as anger, fear, and grief, as powerful catalysts for political action. It explores the intricate effects of treating these emotions as medical issues on society. By drawing upon the insightful political thought of Hannah Arendt, the author offers a fresh perspective on political emotions, recognizing them as delicate and susceptible to assaults questioning their significance in public life. The book presents and analyzes four compelling case studies of emotional politics in the United Kingdom, ranging from assertions about the emotional primitivism of UKIP supporters to diagnoses of anxiety disorders in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. Through these detailed examinations, the book showcases how concepts of emotion and mental disorder can be wielded to both empower and disempower individuals politically. By examining the interplay between these powerful forces, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of contemporary politics and the role of emotions in shaping our political landscapes.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399504393