5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

The affective turn signifies a pivotal shift in critical theory, delving into the intricate interplay of discursive practices, the human body, and socio-cultural forces with historically situated affects and emotions. This session examines the nexus between "disastrous materialities," our bodies and minds, and our evolving social and cultural perceptions, behaviors, and relationships with non-human entities. "Disastrous materialities" is a heuristic term denoting the pervasive impact of extreme climate variability, heatwaves, and cold spells in our daily lives, increasingly characterizing precarious and exposed living conditions across geographies. Traditional disaster studies, along with psychosocial and post-trauma research, have highlighted how natural disasters disrupt normalcy, invoking profound emotional responses and experiences such as sleep disturbances, eating disorders, severe stress, and depression. In the Era of Disastrous Materialities, this concept extends to encompass the implications for human existence on a vulnerable planet and the collective meanings and policies emerging to address and adapt to this new reality. The session invites papers exploring the sociocultural and psychological dimensions of disasters in the context of climate change, particularly those that address:

• The interplay of affect and disaster resilience.
• The impact of extreme weather on mental health and community well-being.
• The role of non-human actors in shaping disaster experiences.
• Policy responses to the affective consequences of climate variability.
• Comparative studies on cultural responses to environmental crises.