Introduction: Towards a Bourdieusian Sociology of Affective Affinity

This chapter makes the case for the importance of an ‘affective Bourdieu’ firstly by arguing why considerations of affect are buttressed by Bourdieu (or at least a theory of practice) and why Bourdieu’s theory of practice also needs a better conceptualisation of affect. It then outlines antecedents for the theory of affective affinities, especially pointing to Mason’s work on affinities. The chapter then presents a table of Bourdieu’s concepts with their definitions placed alongside new definitions that highlight affect. Overall, this chapter sets the scene for theorising the concept of affective affinities as important for considering the connections between class, emotions and affect.