Literary futures: Harnessing fiction for futures work

Abstract

Literary Futures is an approach to futures work that draws on foundational works of world literature and literary analysis to engage creatively in futures thinking. This paper details the Literary Futures method, from its conceptual development to its practical application in a series of workshops. Through an analysis of the experiences of over 130 Literary Futures workshop participants, we highlight the ways in which narrative and works of fiction can offer a generative and participatory approach to futures thinking that emphasises and enables agency, while also embracing felt engagement. The paper illustrates how character development and collaborative worldbuilding make the Literary Futures method a valuable decision-making tool for contributing to futures work across a range of policy and planning contexts. These features furthermore allow the Literary Futures method to enhance the wider futures thinking field, promoting a focus on social futures, complex human interactions, and relational and affective encounters.