Cultural politics and affective mobilisations: joy and exclusion within Momentum

This article explores the affective and cultural dynamics of Momentum, a left-wing movement formed to support Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour Party. Drawing on affect theory, particularly Ahmed’s (2010) concept of affect as ‘what sticks’, it examines how Momentum fostered a collective identity rooted in joy, vitality and cultural expression. Through interviews and participant observation, the research highlights how Momentum’s aesthetic politics – manifested in music, vernacular humour and sartorial choices – mobilised activists and created a sense of belonging. However, these same affective experiences also contributed to exclusion. Female activists reported instances of sexism within social spaces, while neurodivergent members faced barriers to participation in Momentum’s spontaneous and informal cultural practices. The article argues that while affective mobilisation can create solidarity and energise movements, it also risks reinforcing structures of exclusion and inequality. This study provides insights into the interplay between emotion, politics and exclusion in contemporary left-wing activism by situating Momentum within broader debates on affect, leftist identity and social movement cultures. Ultimately, the article contends that affective politics are not inherently inclusive or emancipatory but must be critically examined for their capacity to unite and alienate.