Identity in Times of Crisis, Part VII: Identity & Emotion
Summary
Emotions play a crucial role in shaping human behavior, influencing our thoughts, decisions, and actions, often more than logic alone. Rather than being separate, emotions and rationality are interconnected, with emotional reasoning like love and fear guiding our choices in a deeply human way.
Despite the common misconception that emotions are irrational, they have logical implications, such as trusting those we love. However, society often suppresses emotions, leaving them to influence us subconsciously, leading to internal conflicts or feelings of detachment.
Traditional social theories, like those of Anthony Giddens, downplay the role of emotions, focusing on rationalization. However, this perspective overlooks how emotions shape everyday behavior, not just in exceptional circumstances. Communication itself often operates on multiple levels, with a disconnect between our words and feelings, causing misunderstandings.
Emotion is also linked to social control, with emotional strategies used to project confidence or avoid embarrassment. Self-deception and emotional management are part of this process, helping maintain social harmony, even if it compromises authenticity.
This summary emphasizes the importance of emotions in human behavior, challenging the notion that rationality alone drives our actions. Emotions are ever-present, influencing everything from personal relationships to broader social dynamics.
Keywords
#EmotionsInBehavior; #HumanRationality; #SocialInteraction; #EmotionalIntelligence;
#IdentityAndEmotions; #RationalVsEmotional; #PowerAndControl; #SocialTheories;
#EmotionalSuppression; #CognitiveAndEmotional; #MultiLevelCommunication;
#SelfDeception; #EmotionalManagement; #HumanPsychology; #EmotionalMotivation
