Emotional habitus through media: toxic romance and the rise of “malaise” in intimate relationships
Abstract
This study investigates the role of emotional habitus in contemporary media, focusing on the portrayal of toxic masculinity in the Italian TV series “Mare Fuori” and its influence on digital culture, particularly on TikTok. Emotions, rather than being solely individual experiences, are examined as socially constructed phenomena embedded within gendered power structures. Through an analysis of the "malaise" (malessere), a character romanticized for his dominance, jealousy, and possessiveness, this research reveals how patriarchal norms are reproduced and legitimized via popular culture and social media trends. The emotional habitus of "malaise" is shaped by emotions such as jealousy and anger, manifesting in control and dominance, key traits of hegemonic masculinity. Meanwhile, the women associated with this figure internalize emotions of suffering and fear, reinforcing narratives of submission and affective dependence. Moreover, the study underscores the heuristic and practical value of the concept of emotional habitus in understanding the intersection of social norms, emotions, and power dynamics in intimate relationships
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