Introduction

Abstract

We began assembling the chapters for this handbook at about the same time that we completed The Sociology of Emotions, in which we reviewed the theory and research on emotions over the past 30 years (Turner and Stets 2005). It became very clear to us in writing this book that the sociology of emotions has made remarkable progress since its emergence in the late 1970s. Clear theoretical and research traditions are evident, and the field now stands at the forefront of microsociology and, increasingly, macrosociology. The Sociology of Emotions will be, we hope, a useful reference work, but it is also important to hear directly from the authors who are at the forefront of this field. Hence, for this handbook we have assembled a strong cast of authors to review the range of topics that presently define the sociology of emotions.