From the universal to the plural: Imagining, building up and obliterating alternative futures

Abstract

In the face of abundant signs that we are on the brink of ecological collapse, exploring alternatives to production and consumption based on wasteful socio-economic relations is imperative. This article aims to identify and discuss alternative ways of acting in the present whilst envisioning different conceptions of futures beyond those engendered within capitalism. We look at the consolidation process of an idea of a singular universal way of existing and how it hinders different worldviews and conceptions of futures. The role of power structures and agencies is also observed, considering how different theoretical traditions deal with vulnerabilities and uncertainties while imagining and building alternative futures. The analysis draws on a conceptual model in which utopia, desire and hope emerge as symbolic resources that encourage social transformation. Based on the literature, experiences from different geographical locations illustrate the role of utopia, desire, and hope in building alternatives that move away from, when not resisting, hegemonic models of living. Despite the diversity of experiences, a common feature binds them: an inclination towards commoning. This stance is crucial to reimagine future horizons capable of challenging and deconstructing hegemonic worldviews.