Prefigurative politics is a concept rooted in social and political theory that emphasizes the idea of embodying the values and principles of a desired future. It is a form of political action that seeks to create the world we want to live in within the framework of our current society. Advocates of prefigurative politics believe that by practicing the values and principles of the future society in the present, we can begin to transform our current reality.
She argues that prefigurative politics has a processual temporality, where change happens in the present, but develops slowly. Along with this gradual transformation, prefigurative politics also seeks to create spaces and relationships that are based on principles of equality, freedom, and solidarity. These spaces can serve as examples of how a more just and equitable society can function.
A mass movement can mobilize around strategic campaigns with instrumental demands - and around prefigurative campaigns with symbolic demands. This duality allows for a multifaceted approach to social change, where both immediate needs and long-term visions are addressed. By combining both types of campaigns, activists can work towards tangible goals while also embodying the values of the society they wish to create.
Crispin Sartwell argues that the Occupy leader seemed to be moving from anarchism to liberalism before his death. This shift highlights the complexities of navigating different political ideologies within the context of prefigurative politics. It raises questions about how individuals and groups can uphold their principles while also engaging with broader political movements.
The department of Philosophy at Marquette invites all to the 85th Aquinas Lecture, with José Medina, Walter Dill Scott Professor. This presentation may offer insights into the philosophical underpinnings of prefigurative politics, as well as the ethical considerations involved in embodying future values in the present. Understanding the theoretical foundations of prefiguration can help activists develop more effective strategies for social change.
The concept of prefiguration is drawn from a Christian theology that presumes a future salvation so certain that it radiates backward through time. This theological perspective emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in the possibility of a better future. By embodying the values and principles of this future society, individuals can work towards manifesting it in the present.
Few people would disagree with an aspirational goal of a truly caring society—but what is a truly caring society? And what is the role of prefigurative politics in bringing about such a society? These questions highlight the need for a clear vision of the future we are striving to create. Prefigurative politics offers a framework for articulating and enacting this vision in our everyday lives.
A peer learning experiment offers some valuable lessons on how to balance the imperatives of organizational efficiency and democratic decision-making. This balancing act is essential in the context of prefigurative politics, where participatory processes are central to the transformation of society. By fostering inclusive and transparent decision-making practices, activists can create more equitable and sustainable social structures.
Professor Anne Ring Petersen delivers a seminar on their research. This presentation centers on documenta fifteen, a globally influential quinquennial. While the focus may not be explicitly on prefigurative politics, exploring the intersections between art, activism, and social change can offer valuable insights into how cultural practices can embody the values of a desired future.
