Broadening the understanding of affect: a critical review of the embodied and social aspects of affect in information behaviour and practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31344569Keywords:
embodiment, information practices, information-seeking behavior, Library and Information Science, literature review, emotional stylesAbstract
Introduction. The concept of affect has been discussed in information behaviour and practice research as an ongoing research trend from 2000s. However, the definitions of affect remain vague. This critical review extends the current use of the concept for making sense of people’s affective models in empirical research in library and information science.
Method and analysis. Nine studies focusing on affect in information practice or behaviour research are introduced and analysed with the aim of understanding how the concept has been defined, empirically studied, and its relation to embodiment and social aspects.
Results. In the selected studies, affect is understood either as a personal phenomenon or as a social phenomenon. The role of embodiment in these studies is discussed to understand the connections between affect and embodiment. This paper discusses selective strands of the concept of affect and the nuances of prior understandings, discussing them through a gender studies lens.
Conclusions. This conceptual paper suggests that affect theory, following the feminist strand that highlights the embodiment, social structures, and power imbalances, would benefit empirical research on information behaviour or practice research as it enables understanding the complexity of lived experiences in social reality.
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