That Sinking Feeling: On the Emotional Experience of Inferiority in Germany's Neoliberal Education System

Emotions, particularly those of impoverished migrant families, have been underrepresented in German social and cultural studies. Stefan Wellgrafs' study "That Sinking Feeling" highlights the emotional dimensions of exclusion processes and reveals a culture of devaluation and self-assertion among the youthful, post-migrant urban underclass in neoliberal times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Emotions, particularly those of impoverished migrant families, have long been underrepresented in German social and cultural studies. Stefan Wellgrafs groundbreaking book, That Sinking Feeling: The Emotional Dimensions of Exclusion Processes and the Youthful, Post-Migrant Urban Underclass in Neoliberal Times, seeks to rectify this oversight by shedding light on the emotional experiences of these marginalized groups. Through a year of ethnographic fieldwork with grade ten students, Wellgraf delves into a wide range of both classic emotions and affectively charged phenomena, revealing a culture of devaluation and self-assertion among the youthful, post-migrant urban underclass in neoliberal times.

The book begins by exploring the emotional landscape of the students, who come from diverse backgrounds and face numerous challenges in their daily lives. Wellgraf notes that these students often feel excluded from mainstream German society, with their cultural and linguistic differences often being perceived as barriers to integration. As a result, they develop a sense of marginalization and isolation, which can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and hopelessness.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of emotions in shaping the experiences of these students. Wellgraf argues that emotions play a crucial role in the processes of exclusion and marginalization, as they can be used to justify and perpetuate social inequalities. For example, students who feel excluded from school or the workplace may use their emotions to argue that they are not being treated fairly, which can lead to confrontations and conflicts.

However, the book also highlights the ways in which emotions can be used as a source of resilience and resistance against exclusion. Wellgraf notes that many of the students he worked with used their emotions to develop a sense of identity and belonging, and to connect with others who shared their experiences. For example, students who felt marginalized by their peers may use their emotions to form close friendships and support networks, which can provide them with a sense of validation and empowerment.

Throughout the book, Wellgraf employs a rich array of ethnographic methods, including participant observation, interviews, and focus groups, to gather data and insights into the emotional experiences of the students. He also draws on a range of theoretical frameworks, including social psychology, cultural studies, and critical theory, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issues at hand.

One of the strengths of the book is its ability to bring the emotional experiences of these students to life in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Wellgraf's writing is clear and concise, and he uses vivid examples and anecdotes to illustrate his points, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers, including scholars, educators, and policymakers.

Another strength of the book is its relevance to contemporary social transformations. As the global economy continues to evolve and become increasingly neoliberal, the experiences of marginalized groups, such as the students in Wellgrafs study, are becoming more prevalent. The book provides valuable insights into the emotional dimensions of exclusion processes and offers a framework for understanding and addressing these issues.

In conclusion, That Sinking Feeling: The Emotional Dimensions of Exclusion Processes and the Youthful, Post-Migrant Urban Underclass in Neoliberal Times is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on the emotional experiences of marginalized groups in German society. Through a year of ethnographic fieldwork with grade ten students, Stefan Wellgraf reveals a culture of devaluation and self-assertion among the youthful, post-migrant urban underclass in neoliberal times. The book provides valuable insights into the role of emotions in shaping the experiences of these students and offers a framework for understanding and addressing these issues. Its accessibility and engaging writing style make it a must-read for anyone interested in social and cultural studies, as well as for policymakers and educators who are working to create more inclusive and equitable societies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805390527