Malfunctioning Affective Infrastructures

Smoothly functioning infrastructures are “unnoticeable”; they attract attention upon a breakdown. When infrastructure does not function as intended, it stop working altogether. Rather, functions in unprecedented ways. This article argues that the process of malfunctioning, only facilitates engagement, but also produces an affect. ethnography shows how “broken road” ( razbitaia doroga ) rural postindustrial Eastern Siberia becomes site around which belonging and relating unfold. The broken road acquiring capacity to be affective precisely malfunctions. affect people experience connection malfunctioning piece has components anger annoyance, sense unity, sociality, camaraderie, well feelings certain group.