What might a focus on futures offer to understanding social differences and inequalities?

Could our capacities to imagine, plan for, invest in and make futures be unevenly distributed? If so, what does this tell us about how differences and inequalities are made – and might be challenged?

BDFI academic Professor Rebecca Coleman will discuss the notion of ‘future politics’ as a way of capturing the uneven ways in which futures can be attached to and created. She'll reflect on recent research projects that engage with young people, digital media professionals and Mass Observation writers to examine their feelings on time, futures and digital technologies.

About Professor Rebecca Coleman

Rebecca Coleman is Professor of Digital Futures in BDFI and School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies, University of Bristol.

Rebecca’s research crosses sociology, media and cultural studies and feminist theory, and she has particular interests in the everyday life of media; temporality (futures and presents); bodies, affect and new materialisms; and inventive methodologies. She is the author of three monographs and co-editor of four journal special issues, one journal special section and one book.

Recent publications include Glitterworlds: The Future Politics of a Ubiquitous Thing (2020, Goldsmiths Press), ‘Mediating Presents’, special issue of Media Theory (2020, edited with Susanna Paasonen) and ‘Futures in Question: Theories, Methods, Practices’, special issue of Sociological Review (2017, edited with Richard Tutton).

Agenda

This is a hybrid event, taking place at 3:30–4:30 pm on Thursday 23rd March at our temporary home at Engine shed.

3.30: Welcome

3.35 - 4:30pm - Seminar and Q&A discussion

4:30 - 5:00 - Light refreshments and an opportunity to network and continue conversations.

Register on Eventbrite