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Affekt, krisberedskap och hopp om krisen

Abstract

Crises such as the pandemic are destructive forces that at the same time raise hopes for social change. This article is about how this paradox can be understood and how hopefulness can be seen as part of the intensification of affect that accompanies crises. The article is based on qualitative material in the form of observations and interviews from an ongoing research project that examines the direction and coordination of society’s resources in response to crises. The analysis describes different hopes: hopes that we will become more supportive; hopes that we can all make a difference and can make change; hopes that the state is there when we need it and hopes of a public will to defend society. By examining expressions like these, the article shows affective / discursive struggles about what is at stake in a crisis, whose crisis counts and how the pandemic creates a possible future.