This paper explores the possibility of developing a general and formal social-action theory of labeling emotions. The theory is based upon the assumption that there is an underlying formal structural social-action system of expectations and sanctions that significantly influence how actors label their emotions. Some permutations of the four basic expectation-sanction states are elaborated, hypothetically labeled, and tested over a 14-year period. The “constructionist” view of the necessity of a cultural context in labeling emotions is challenged by removing the “moral” content from the survey instrument. The findings indicate that the formal model, devoid of content, is effective in differentiating emotion labels. The tests yielded promising results for developing a comprehensive and formal mapping of emotions. Taxonomical extrapolations of the theory are suggested and some further applications and needed research are discussed.
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