This “Modern Epidemic”: Loneliness as an Emotion Cluster and a Neglected Subject in the History of Emotions

Loneliness is one of the most neglected aspects of emotion history, despite claims that the 21st century is the loneliest ever. This article argues against the widespread belief that modern-day loneliness is inevitable, negative, and universal. Looking at its language and etymology, it suggests that...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEmotion Review Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 242 - 254
Main Author Bound Alberti, Fay
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London, England SAGE Publications 01.07.2018
Subjects
emotion
history
loneliness
longue durée
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Summary:Loneliness is one of the most neglected aspects of emotion history, despite claims that the 21st century is the loneliest ever. This article argues against the widespread belief that modern-day loneliness is inevitable, negative, and universal. Looking at its language and etymology, it suggests that loneliness needs to be understood firstly as an “emotion cluster” composed of a variety of affective states, and secondly as a relatively recent invention, dating from around 1800. Loneliness can be positive, and as much a part of the body as the mind. Using a longue durée approach, I argue that we cannot understand loneliness as a “modern epidemic” without considering its history, its meanings, its practice, and its links with the body.
ISSN:1754-0739
1754-0747
DOI:10.1177/1754073918768876