Future as fantasy: forgetting the flaws

Abstract

This paper looks critically at the practice and relevance of future studies, from the point of view of the large poor and marginalised sections of humanity. It puts forward nine propositions on the methodological and political problems with future studies. Future studies is dominated by western, instrumental perspectives and by pro-rich and corporate concerns, and it ignores alternative cultural perspectives as well as the interests and concerns of the majority of human beings. Also, it is oriented little towards policy and praxis and, consequently, has had little impact on the course of changes in and the driving forces shaping the real world. While putting forward an agenda for futurists, the paper concludes that future studies can become more meaningful and relevant for the large mass of humanity only through a radical democratisation of political economy on the one hand and of the categories of knowledge on the other.