They Call It Love: The Politics of Emotional Life

They Call It Love explores the work that creates a haven in a heartless world, arguing that emotion is a key element in reproducing society and its norms. It calls for a radical restructuring of society to address the problem of love's labor.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

They Call It Love delves into the intricate processes that create a sanctuary of compassion within a cold and heartless world, exploring the individuals and organizations responsible for this vital task. Through the lens of the feminist movement's Wages for Housework, Gotby compellingly argues that emotion plays a central role in the perpetuation of society's norms and values. Recognizing the profound challenges posed by the labor of love, she advocates for a radical reorganization of our social structures to address this pressing issue.

In the first paragraph, the text establishes the central theme of the investigation, emphasizing the quest for a haven of love in a world often characterized by indifference and cruelty. It questions who undertakes this laborious task and how it is organized. The paragraph also hints at the potential for change, suggesting that understanding the dynamics of love's labor can lead to transformative outcomes.

The second paragraph expands on the idea of emotion as a driving force in the reproduction of society's norms and values. Gotby draws upon the insights of the feminist movement, specifically referencing Wages for Housework, to argue that the emotional labor involved in nurturing relationships and communities is often undervalued and underappreciated. She emphasizes the need to recognize and value the emotional contributions of individuals and groups, recognizing that they are essential to the functioning of society.

The third paragraph addresses the problem of love's labor and its implications for society. It recognizes that the labor of love requires a significant restructuring of our social structures and institutions. Gotby suggests that we need to move beyond traditional gender roles and power dynamics and create a more equitable and compassionate society that values and supports the emotional labor of all individuals.

In conclusion, the text explores the work that makes a haven in a heartless world, examining who performs this labor, how it is organized, and how it might change. Through the lens of the feminist movement's Wages for Housework, Gotby demonstrates that emotion is a key element in the reproduction of society and its norms. Addressing the problem of love's labor requires nothing less than a radical restructuring of society to create a more equitable and compassionate world that values and supports the emotional labor of all individuals.

Weight: 156g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839767043