Article:

Im Schatten der Utopie. Zur sozialen Wirkungsmacht von Leitbildern kultureller Transformation

Where the paralyzing routine of the apocalyptic discourse does not produce enough internal thrust to come from knowledge to action, perhaps the idea of a positive future can entice to travel the path from imagination to the change of individual behavior and ultimately to social movement and becoming political. This article examines the effectiveness of guidelines for the design of the fundamental transformation of our modern culture. To this end, the previously little specific concept of cultural transformation is discussed, reflecting the perception and action-guiding function of future-oriented narratives, and viewed in a policy-theoretic context. It concludes with thoughts on requirements for future-oriented stories, the contexts of their development, and the methods of their ›production‹ and communication in interdisciplinary and participatory processes.