The concept of agency has long been drawn upon – overtly or implicitly – in social theory. However, different theoretical starting points shape how we define and understand agency and its determinants. The last few years have seen growing interest in ideas concerning privilege and affect. How do these concepts affect our understanding of agency? Is human agency needed to create new modes of sociability, and how does privilege constrain or facilitate social change?

Privilege, Agency and Affect seeks to answer some of these questions, showcasing recent work by UK, North American, Australasian and Scandinavian writers working at the cutting edge of sociology, social theory and education. Strongly empirical as well as theoretical in the approach taken, the book offers a timely extension of foundations laid in early 21st century social theory and debate.