Fuller, Ted and Loogma, Krista (2009) Constructing futures: a social constructionist perspective on foresight methodology. Futures, 41 (2). pp. 71-79. ISSN 0016-3287

Preview

PDF Constructing_futures;_a_social_constructionist_perspective_on_foresight_methodology_final-v2-1.pdf - Whole Document Download (70Kb)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the relationship between a particular epistemological perspective and foresight methodology. We draw on a body of social theory concerned with the way that meaning is produced and assimilated by society; specifically, the social construction of knowledge, which is distinguished from its nearneighbour constructivism by its focus on inter-subjectivity. We show that social constructionism, at least in its weak form, seems to be implicit in many epistemological assumptions underlying futures studies. We identify a range of distinctive methodological features in foresight studies, such as time, descriptions of difference, participation and values, and examine these from a social constructionist perspective. It appears that social constructionism is highly resonant with the way in which knowledge of the future is produced and used. A social constructionism perspective enables a methodological reflection on how, with what legitimacy, and to what social good, knowledge is produced. Foresight that produces symbols without inter-subjective meaning neither anticipates, nor produces futures. Our conclusion is that foresight is both a social construction, and a mechanism for social construction. Methodologically, foresight projects should acknowledge the socially constructed nature of their process and outcomes as this will lead to greater rigour and legitimacy.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the relationship between a particular epistemological perspective and foresight methodology. We draw on a body of social theory concerned with the way that meaning is produced and assimilated by society; specifically, the social construction of knowledge, which is distinguished from its nearneighbour constructivism by its focus on inter-subjectivity. We show that social constructionism, at least in its weak form, seems to be implicit in many epistemological assumptions underlying futures studies. We identify a range of distinctive methodological features in foresight studies, such as time, descriptions of difference, participation and values, and examine these from a social constructionist perspective. It appears that social constructionism is highly resonant with the way in which knowledge of the future is produced and used. A social constructionism perspective enables a methodological reflection on how, with what legitimacy, and to what social good, knowledge is produced. Foresight that produces symbols without inter-subjective meaning neither anticipates, nor produces futures. Our conclusion is that foresight is both a social construction, and a mechanism for social construction. Methodologically, foresight projects should acknowledge the socially constructed nature of their process and outcomes as this will lead to greater rigour and legitimacy.
Keywords:	constructing futures, social constructionist perspective, foresight methodology, methodologically, ref19, refdoi
Subjects:	N Business and Administrative studies > N100 Business studies N Business and Administrative studies > N200 Management studies
Divisions:	College of Social Sciences > Faculty of Business & Law > Lincoln Business School
Depositing User:	Rosaline Smith
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2010 12:08
Last Modified:	05 Apr 2013 12:22
URI:	http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/id/eprint/2749

Actions (login required)

View Item