300062 Emotions in Organizations (MA: Soziologische Theorie) (S) (SoSe 2017)

Since the 1970s emotion research has become a flourishing part of sociology, drawing attention to how society "makes us feel" and addressing questions like: "How do emotions alter or stabilize social structures? In which situations are whose feelings appropriate? What does it do to an interaction if someone is overwhelmed by tears, rage or laughter?
And what am I to do if I don't feel sad at a funeral?"
Organizations are a special case in point because they have been regarded as the "personification" of rationality, objectivity and efficiency for a long time - an argument mainly attributed to Max Weber.
But are they?
Above all, Arlie R. Hochschild and Stephen Fineman have tried to bring emotion into rationality, conceptualizing organizations as "emotional arenas" (Fineman). Can emotions be "rationalized" and sold (e.g. the stewardess's cheerfulness)? Do (some) organizations need a certain amount of fear to work properly? In this course, we will have a look at these and other concepts and at the positions they are arguing against (Is Weber so "rational" after all? And what does it take, societally, to ensure objectivity?). We will also touch on the more general question how organization and individual interact.

Requirements for participation, required level

Students should have an interest in theoretical sociology and be willing to engage in (sometimes) difficult reading and abstract thinking.

Please note that the entire course will be in English.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass die Veranstaltungssprache dieses Kurses Englisch ist.