Amidst growing concerns about societal fragmentation and the weaponization of emotion, sociologist Eva Illouz offers a new framework for understanding the forces shaping our inner lives. Her latest work, “Explosive Moderne,” translated into English this year, argues that feelings are no longer purely personal but are increasingly manipulated by political and economic systems. Published by Suhrkamp Verlag, the book builds on Illouz’s established research into the intersection of emotion, capitalism, and modern life, expanding her scope to address issues of identity and social justice.
January 9, 2026, 11:05
A new book by French-Israeli sociologist Eva Illouz explores how our emotions are being shaped by the forces of modern society, from political polarization to the pressures of capitalism. Illouz, known for her work examining the complexities of love in a capitalist world, argues that feelings like fear, disappointment, anger, and even shame are now actively “managed” by both politics and culture.
According to the author, these emotions aren’t simply personal experiences; they are psychologically relevant, morally significant, politically effective, and deeply ambivalent. Illouz’s analysis delves into the fragility of liberal democracy, the demands of the modern economy, and the conflicts surrounding identity, as well as fundamental issues like antisemitism, racism, and misogyny.
The book, titled “Explosive Moderne,” offers a contemporary perspective on these issues, examining how they intersect and influence our emotional landscape. The work builds on Illouz’s previous research into the emotional dimensions of modern life, expanding her focus beyond romantic love to encompass a wider range of human feelings.
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Table of Contents
Eva Illouz, “Explosive Moderne,” translated by Michael Adrian, Suhrkamp Verlag 2024
