Urry rejects both simple prediction (linear extrapolation from the past) and pure speculation (unmoored science fiction). Instead, he argues that the future is not singular but plural—there are many possible futures , and they emerge from complex interactions between social, technological, and environmental systems. His central claim is that we must treat the future as a , shaped by power, culture, and existing systems of mobility and resource use.
Visions of the future are often "saturated with different interests". Those with the most power often define what is "desirable," potentially edging out those with the least power from the discussion. john urry what is the future pdf
Urry begins by highlighting the growing sense of unease and uncertainty about the future. He argues that the conventional approaches to understanding the future, based on extrapolating from past trends and assuming a continuation of current patterns, are no longer adequate. The rapid pace of change, intensifying global interconnectedness, and mounting environmental concerns all demand a fresh perspective on what the future might hold. Visions of the future are often "saturated with
In an era defined by pandemics, climate collapse, and the digital revolution, the question “What comes next?” haunts academics, policymakers, and citizens alike. Yet, few thinkers have dissected the process of the future as sharply as the late British sociologist . He argues that the conventional approaches to understanding