Synthetic Earth, Synthetic Emotions: What Could a New Epoch Mean for the Sociology of Emotions?

Abstract

The Anthropocene signifies a new geologic epoch in which human life has radically altered the natural world. The line between humanity and nature, like the line between culture and biology, was never as cleanly delineated as we might assume. While acknowledging the changes marked by the Anthropocene, we can contend with the myth of human/nature separation by turning to indigenous understandings of the interconnectedness of all life forms. Developing a sociology of emotions for this epoch would benefit from the following: (1) continued examination of emotions within the context of economic shifts, particularly the depth and reach of neoliberal capitalism; (2) decentering humanity in line with indigenous emotion practices; (3) renewed consideration of feelings of greed, belonging, and trust; and (4) examination of emerging neo-emotions that connect feelings to the shifting conditions of life in the Anthropocene.