Young people's orientations to the future: navigating the present and imagining the future

Abstract

Visual and arts-based methods are now widely used in the social sciences. In youth research they are considered to promote engagement and empowerment. This article contributes to debate on the challenges of using arts-based methods in research with young people. We discuss the experience of a multidisciplinary project investigating how young people imagine their futures-Imagine Sheppey-to critically consider the use of arts-based methods and the kinds of data produced through these practices. We make two sets of arguments. First, that the challenges of participation and collaboration are not overcome by using apparently 'youth-friendly' research tools. Second, that the nature of data produced through arts-based methods can leave researchers with significant problems of interpretation. We highlight these issues in relation to the focus of this project on researching the future.

The future of the family as envisioned by young adults in Ireland

“…In the field of youth studies, much research has been done recently on young people's views on various aspects of the future (e.g. Carabelli and Lyon 2016;Cook 2015;Prince 2014;Skrbis et al 2014;Threadgold 2012), but there is very little research on future families envisioned by them. This article seeks to contribute to understanding the role of young people and culture in the social change of families: more specifically, the cultural meanings that young adults attach to future families.…”

Towards a sustainable future with education?

“…ESD focuses mainly on society in general and therefore more distant futures, rather than an individual's personal future-something that is likely due to the educational system's separation of disciplines. Distant futures are viewed as static images which can be described from an outside perspective (Carabelli and Lyon 2016). Such visions of the future are considered to be modified copies or a reflection of the present because they reproduce society's current problems (Eckersley 2002).…”

“…Rubin 2013;Jenkins and Pell 2006). I follow Carabelli and Lyon (2016) in arguing that it is important to discuss both futures-the distant and the near-for obtaining a more complete idea about how young people orient themselves vis-à-vis the future and its challenges. Thus I would like to point to some sociological studies regarding young people and future directions in Western societies.…”

Levels of intersecting temporalities in young men’s orientation to the future. A cross-national case comparison

“…6. In later writings from the same study Carabelli and Lyon (2016) define the term 'orientation to the future' to mean 'the very process of imagining the future' (p. 1111), thus not focussing on the content of such orientations. This in contrast to writers cited in the literature section where the term 'orientation' is used synonymously with 'perceptions' and 'thoughts about' the future to focus on content.…”