Emotions in focus: Conference at the FU Berlin on social mobilization

Emotions in focus: Conference at the FU Berlin on social mobilization

The conference “Mobilizing Affect – Affective Mobilization” will take place at the Free University of Berlin from May 21st to 23rd, 2025. This important conference is organized by the Collaborative Research Center (SFB 1171) “Affective Societies” in cooperation with the ICI Berlin. The aim of the conference is to examine in depth the role of emotions in mobilizing people and social movements. The focus is on analyzing how various actors, particularly feminist activists and right-wing authoritarian forces, use affects to generate outrage, solidarity and fear.

The conference program promises a variety of formats: from classic panels to workshops to performative city walks. International scientists, artists and activists will have the opportunity to share their perspectives and research results. The conference is aimed at a broad public, including actors from science, media, art and activism. Access to the event is free, but prior registration is required.

Invitation to discussion

At the conference, journalists are invited to exchange ideas with experts about the role of emotions and affects in protest movements and social change. The interdisciplinary collaboration within the SFB 1171 aims at how feelings and emotions shape social coexistence and can be redefined in a globalized, networked and mediatized world. Scientists from nine disciplines in the social sciences, cultural sciences and humanities are working on these fundamental questions in twelve sub-projects.

In the context of feminist research, it is discussed how emotions and affects constitute social spaces and, conversely, are influenced by social orders. Academia.edu illuminates the tension between the observer and participant perspectives, a central aspect in the analysis of emotional experiences.

The role of social media

In addition, the role of social media is highlighted in the discussion about emotions and affects. Social media not only act as platforms for exchange, but also as important generators of affect. Loud Academia.edu Social media generates and regulates emotions that have a strong impact on users and increase the amount of time they spend in these environments. These mechanisms are crucial for understanding how modern social structures shape and are simultaneously shaped emotional experiences.

Prominent emotion researcher Joseph LeDoux is quoted to explain the gap between emotional behavior and inner feelings. His theories highlight the need to incorporate both behavioral studies and deeper emotional analyzes into research to understand the full spectrum of human emotions.

As part of the SFB 1171, an upcoming essay is also expected that deals with affective determinations of reality in the context of the climate and environmental crisis. This discussion contributes to a contemporary and nuanced understanding of the norms and values ​​that are shaped by affective processes in today's society. The article also shows how social and political movements mobilize emotional forces to influence a variety of social values.

Overall, the conference “Mobilizing Affect – Affective Mobilization” represents an important platform to examine and discuss in depth the interactions between emotions, social movements and today's social challenges.