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Rational and Emotional Tension Balances in the Organization of Political Hunger Strikes

Author

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  • John Connolly

    (Dublin City University, Ireland)

  • Paddy Dolan

    (Technological University Dublin, Ireland)

  • Stephen Vertigans

    (Robert Gordon University, Scotland)

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the relationship between the organization of political hunger strikes, rational calculations and actions and emotions. Drawing from the theoretical formulations of Norbert Elias, we examine how rational–emotional balances generated by different and intertwined tiers of social integration partly shaped the organization of political hunger strikes. Political hunger strikes are interesting because they tend to involve actions based on rational considerations and emotional charges. The empirical context includes a comparative analysis across space and time involving the organization of political hunger strikes in Ireland and (West) Germany during the 20th century. Our analysis suggests a difference between the rational–emotional tension balance exhibited by hunger strikers of the 1920s and that of hunger strikers of the 1970s and 1980s. We explain how these differences are connected to the broader social structures pertaining at the time. The main contention of the paper is that all forms of political organizing involve rational–emotional balances, and these balances are structured and shaped by social dynamics at different tiers of social integration.

Suggested Citation

  • John Connolly & Paddy Dolan & Stephen Vertigans, 2023. "Rational and Emotional Tension Balances in the Organization of Political Hunger Strikes," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 28(1), pages 3-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:28:y:2023:i:1:p:3-20
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804211003592
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chris Yuill, 2007. "The Body as Weapon: Bobby Sands and the Republican Hunger Strikes," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 12(2), pages 111-121, March.
    2. Rowthorn, Bob, 1981. "Northern Ireland: An Economy in Crisis," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 5(1), pages 1-31, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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