The resistance to temptation of an immediate reward in preference for a later reward.
Published in Chapter:
Futurization of Thinking and Behavior: Exploring People's Imaginaries About the Future and Futurization
Anna Sircova (Time Perspective Network, Denmark), Angela E. Scharf (University of Minnesota, USA), Molly Kennedy (Bowdoin College, USA), and Pinja R. Päivinen (St. Lawrence University, USA)
Copyright: © 2019
|Pages: 27
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-8163-5.ch010
Abstract
This chapter is looking into the emerging concept of “futurization,” which is being used in the context of policy making; however, without clear definition, it creates ambiguous reactions. What does “futurization of politics,” “futurization of thinking,” or “futurization of behavior” actually mean? This chapter looked into the associations citizens or laypeople have with terms “future” and “futurization,” and what were their expressed and unexpressed hopes, dreams, fears, and anxieties. The study, using surveys and focus-groups, revealed a rather lifeless image, future without photosynthesis, without female presence, and overall a wasteland scenario. However, when speaking about “futurization” in comparison to “future,” there is much less inevitability, more personal agency, and both believe in and fear the technological advancement. The working definition of “futurization” is offered in the chapter as well as a comparative analysis of “future” vs. “futurization.” The implications for sustainability policymaking and curriculum development in education are discussed.