A Better Future? Generational Imaginaries In Uncertain Times

Karl Mannheim's classic work on generations reminds us that generations are shaped not only by their location in historical time, but also by the ways they interpret and respond to shared social and historical experiences. By reworking inherited cultural legacies in light of new historical circumstances, generations become agents in the renewal of knowledge, helping to shape the future.

In contemporary societies, local and global challenges have multiplied. Climate and health crises, geopolitical conflicts, demographic transformations and economic insecurity are reshaping how generations imagine the future, raising questions about agency and hope for a better world. Understanding how generations envision the future is crucial in turbulent times, and several key questions arise: How do generations engage with the future in times of uncertainty? To what extent do historical experiences shape generational visions of the future? Are contemporary generations developing new temporal horizons and expectations compared to previous ones? How do generations imagine the future for themselves and for future generations? Do different generations still believe in a "better future"?

The session encourages theoretical and empirical contributions addressing generational imaginaries of the future across different social, cultural and geographical contexts. Comparative studies are particularly welcome, especially those exploring future orientations in both the Global North and the Global South and in settings marked by geopolitical, environmental and socio-economic challenges.