Futures Research Unpacked

#23 - Feminist Futures as Unthought Futures

Welcome to an episode where we explore Haya Al-Noaimi's compelling article, 'Feminist Futures as Unthought Futures,' published in the Journal of Futures Studies. This discussion critically examines the tension between dominant neoliberal future visions in the Gulf states and the urgent need for feminist, human-centered approaches through education. In this episode, we'll delve into: * Al-Noaimi's argument that feminist futures extend beyond gender equality to encompass a vital project of decolonizing the future. * The anti-feminist nature of neoliberalism, particularly in postcolonial contexts like the Arab Gulf, as it prioritizes market logic, privatization, and individualism over human and ecological well-being. * How feminist pedagogies, exemplified by a 'Gulf Futures' course, empower students to critically engage with prevailing narratives, challenge patriarchal structures, and envision alternative, equitable futures. * The influence of Ivana Milojević's work on defining feminism and guiding the critique and envisioning of post-patriarchal futures. * The role of artistic visions, like Sophia Al-Maria's 'The Future was Desert,' in contrasting official narratives of progress and highlighting the 'weight of the past'. Join us to understand how this article advocates for cultivating a collective future that is inclusive, equitable, and champions marginalized voices in decolonizing our imaginations and societal structures. Ref: Haya Al-Noaimi. (n.d.). Feminist Futures as Unthought Futures. Journal of Futures Studies. https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202503_29(3).0002 [https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202503_29(3).0002]

#22 - Feminizing Futures

Welcome to a episode where we explore Nur Anisah Abdullah's groundbreaking research paper, 'Feminizing Futures,' published in the Journal of Futures Studies. This essential work dives deep into how contemporary futurists define and integrate feminism into their professional practice. In this discussion, we'll uncover: * The diverse perspectives of eleven futurists on what feminism means to them and why they embrace it, responding to Ivana Milojević's "The Hesitant Feminist's Guide to the Future". * Their critiques of patriarchal systems and the drive for a more holistic, systemic change that extends beyond traditional gender issues to include cultural recognition and the dismantling of oppressive structures. * The challenges these futurists face, addressing individual, societal, and systemic barriers such as exclusion, marginalisation, systemic inequality, and the dominance of traditional perspectives. We'll also examine how these challenges are understood through Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), identifying associated systemic causes like patriarchy, Western-centric narratives, and capitalist worldviews. * Transformative visions for the future, illuminated by powerful metaphors that describe both current realities—such as "Echo Chamber of Dominant Voices" and "The Walled Garden"—and aspirations for change, including "Listening Wildflower Beds" and "Handing Over The Compass". Tune in to understand how 'Feminizing Futures' marks a crucial dialogue between feminism and futures studies, advocating for a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate future that prioritizes diverse voices and systemic transformation. Ref: Nur Anisah Abdullah. (n.d.). Feminizing Futures. Journal of Futures Studies. https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202503_29(3).0006 [https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202503_29(3).0006]

#21 - The Futures Telescope: A Dynamic Tool for Exploring The Space of Possibilities

"Dive into the Futures Telescope, an innovative framework for futures thinking that challenges traditional linear views of the future. This podcast explores how the Futures Telescope moves beyond static predictions by merging structured foresight with subjective perspectives. Discover how this dynamic tool, built on complexity theory, helps practitioners explore multiple futures by actively adjusting for personal biases—referred to as the "ocular lens"—and cultural paradigms—the "cultural lens". We'll discuss its iterative methodology, designed to foster collective sense-making and enable the co-creation of adaptive, pluralistic futures. Learn how the Futures Telescope helps navigate the "thick present" and the vast "space of possibilities". We'll also touch upon its unique approach that contrasts with the more rigid Futures Cone model and how it offers a path towards Protopia—a vision of steady, ongoing improvements rather than a fixed Utopia. Join us to understand how the Futures Telescope makes futures thinking more flexible, inclusive, and actionable for everyone, whether you're a seasoned futures practitioner or new to the field." Ref: Casado, E. T. (2025). The Futures Telescope: A Dynamic Tool for Exploring The Space of Possibilities. Journal of Futures Studies. https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202506_29(4).0005 [https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202506_29(4).0005]

#20 - Revisiting the Use and Utility of Domain Mapping: A Comparative Study of the Future(s) of Diplomacy and International Affairs

Welcome to Futures Research Unpacked! This episode dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of domain mapping within strategic foresight. We unpack a unique research paper that empirically evaluates domain mapping's utility by analyzing years of exercises with Canadian public servants. Discover how domain mapping serves as a prerequisite for robust foresight, helping to conceptually frame complex topics like the future of diplomacy and international affairs. The research highlights the fascinating concept of 'thematic shifting' – how experts' perceptions evolve over time regarding key areas such as technology, values, economics, public health, and national security. Plus, gain valuable insights on facilitating effective domain mapping workshops, considering the vital importance of representation, group dynamics, and data quality. This discussion illustrates how domain mapping provides a crucial snapshot of current realities and evolving perspectives, animating all subsequent foresight processes. Ref: Wilner, A., & Stein, T. (2025). Revisiting the Use and Utility of Domain Mapping: A Comparative Study of the Future(s) of Diplomacy and International Affairs. FUTURES & FORESIGHT SCIENCE, 7(1), e70006. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70006 [https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70006]

#19 - Collective Sensemaking and Reframing in Futures Thinking Engagements: Lessons From a Responsible Futuring Learning Trajectory

Join us for an insightful discussion on "Collective Sensemaking and Reframing in Futures Thinking Engagements: Lessons From a Responsible Futuring Learning Trajectory". This episode delves into how the Responsible Futuringapproach, a design-oriented method, facilitates collective sensemaking and reframing to foster futures thinking. We'll explore the paper's findings from a 4-day learning trajectory with professionals navigating digital transformations. Discover how Responsible Futuring organizes learning through four cognitive and experiential levels: understanding values, imagining, tangibilizing, and introspecting. We'll also break down its five sequential phases, from Articulating the Challenge to Reflecting and Reframing. A key takeaway from the research is the observed tendency towards solutionism among participants, where they prematurely focused on specific solutions rather than exploring broader, values-driven futures. We'll discuss this challenge, along with others such as the risk of extreme future visions and the difficulty of grounding abstract principles in everyday realities. Finally, we'll cover the paper's critical recommendations, including the need for iterative guidance, careful zooming processes to manage actor inclusion/exclusion, and clearer goals for speculative activities to enhance relevance. Tune in to understand how these insights can inform future-oriented activities in lifelong learning! Ref: Matos‐Castaño, J., Huinink, M., Zaga, C., & Van Der Voort, M. (2025). Collective Sensemaking and Reframing in Futures Thinking Engagements: Lessons From a Responsible Futuring Learning Trajectory. FUTURES & FORESIGHT SCIENCE, 7(1), e70002. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70002 [https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70002]