Lines of Affect and Performativity: Singing the Body Electric-Politic in Qualitative Research. (August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swirski, Teresa
• Other Names: Koro-Ljungberg Mirka guest-editor.; MacLure Maggie guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Cultural studies, critical methodologies. Volume 13:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2013-08
• Subjects: affect -- performativity -- assemblages -- qualitative research -- transversality; Culture -- Research -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Research -- Periodicals; 306.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1532708613487881
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1532-7086

Abstract

Qualitative research data comes in a myriad of forms and permutations. This spectrum of inquiry spans differing assemblages of sensation, creation, and well-being. While affording methodological moments their place, it is suggested that understanding sensation as "affect" and creation as "performativity" can provoke new qualitative research lines to unfold, alongside the politics of well-being. The intent of this article is to explore how continuing to transverse material, social, and temporal practices can spark new disruptions and notions of data. It is argued that further innovating data involves becoming more attuned to the lines and layers of our material, social, and temporal practices. Opening ourselves up to the interplay of sensation, creation, and well-being provides a rich optic for future qualitative methodologies—enabling us to reconfigure the territories of response and responsibility.