affective turn

The "affective turn" refers to a shift in academic and cultural studies where emphasis is placed on emotions, feelings, and bodily experiences—called "affects"—as central to understanding human behavior and social dynamics. Instead of just focusing on thoughts or attitudes, scholars explore how emotions influence our perceptions, interactions, and identities. This perspective highlights that feelings are powerful and often shape experiences more than words or ideas alone. The affective turn enriches analysis across disciplines like literature, philosophy, and cultural studies by recognizing the importance of non-verbal, embodied responses in shaping human life.