The Potential of Social Love. Discussions on the Performativity of Affects

Abstract

When dealing with social phenomena in an era characterised by individualism, which makes affective relationships fragile and exacerbates social disaffiliation through selfishness, consumption and competition, there is still a sterile tension between reason and emotion in which the former tends to be privileged over the latter. This is why the book's line of analysis is interesting, as the concept of social love emerges as an instrument of research and social intervention that would allow us to understand the processes of social structuring, the behaviour of individuals and collectives and to approach the sensibility on the basis of which people justify their actions, as well as the construction of identities. In this way, we can approach issues such as the state, democracy, different collectives, poverty, education, welfare and other experiences that make up the "art of living together". The performative character of affective exchange can be glimpsed, as well as its potential to provide subjects with a critical sense in order to change society.