This book illustrates the theoretical relevance of emotions to analyse and interpret contemporary events and societies. Emotions explain social phenomena while providing critical and analytical tools to challenge dominant or conventional interpretations of them. Drawing on examples of empirical research on emotions, it examines the long-standing sociological significance of emotions, some of the most recent theoretical and methodological advances, and the importance of fruitful interdisciplinary contaminations. The book will appeal to students, scholars, and professionals interested in the intersection of emotions, society, and social change.

Alessandro Pratesi is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Florence, Italy. His research interests include the sociology of emotions, care, relationships and intimacies, social inclusion, and citizenship. He is the author of Doing Care, Doing Citizenship. Towards a Micro-situated and Emotion-based Model of Social Inclusion (2018, Palgrave Macmillan).