The Concept of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is often perceived as a skill set that enables individuals to manage and understand their emotions and those of others. The origins of the term raise questions about its validity; it has been suggested that the concept may serve corporate interests by framing emotions in a way that encourages employees to internalize their challenges instead of addressing systemic issues. The speaker opines that the individualization of emotional intelligence detracts from the understanding of emotions as social constructs influenced by broader cultural dynamics. This perspective shifts the dialogue from merely training individuals to regulate their emotions to recognizing the structural contexts that shape emotional responses.