Introduction

Chapter 6 examines positive and negative emotions. A distinction is made between positive and negative emotions in the Introduction. Positive emotions have been associated with ‘happiness studies’ and the theorization of happiness has been of interest to a wide range of theorists, from Jeremy Bentham (1789) to Sara Ahmed (2004, 2010). Part I of the chapter examines these theories as well as empirical research in the area of happiness. While Ahmed has theorized the area of happiness, she is also one of the key theorists who has investigated how a range of negative emotions, including anger and wretchedness, are linked to migration. In particular, Ahmed (2010), in ‘Melancholic migrants’ in The Promise of Happiness, shows how emotion is central within the social and political framework of understanding ‘the stranger’:

Part II of the chapter focuses on negative emotions, specifically anger and shame, and examines how both concepts are explored by a number of significant theorists. Part III of the chapter explores the relationship between emotions, politics and war, and Part IV of the chapter explores emotions in the area of social abjection and how it relates to broader areas of social justice.

Part I. Critical perspectives on happiness studies

It has been noteworthy that the late 20th century and early 21st century have been characterized by a rapid growth in happiness studies which have largely been driven by the growth of ‘sub-disciplines’ including ‘positive psychology’ and ‘happiness economics’. Substantial social and cultural theorists such as Ahmed (2004, 2010) have also focused on the issue of happiness and Ahmed (2010) even talks about ‘the turn to happiness’.

Some theorists see the emphasis on happiness as fulfilling the promise of the Enlightenment. Bruckner (2000) argues that the promise of the Enlightenment was of a ‘messianic dawn’ transforming ‘tears’ into ‘roses’.