Futures Worth Preserving - Cultural Constructions of Nostalgia and Sustainability

Cultures and individuals balance nostalgia and sustainability in constructing historical narratives of the future. This volume explores these narratives and the underlying assumptions, revealing how contemporary definitions of sustainability are informed by a nostalgic yearning for the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Cultures and individuals navigate a delicate balance between nostalgia and sustainability as they craft historical narratives of futures worth preserving. This volume seeks to delve into these narratives and the underlying assumptions that shape them. By drawing from a diverse array of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, the chapters explore cultural beliefs about which aspects of the past deserve to be remembered and which aspects of the present should be sustained for the future. Through this exploration, they shed light on how contemporary notions of sustainability are influenced by a longing for the past and how nostalgia drives a reciprocal desire to preserve the past for the sake of the future.

The chapters in this volume examine cultural assumptions about the value of the past and the importance of maintaining the present for future generations. They explore how these assumptions shape our understanding of sustainability and how nostalgia influences our desire to preserve the past.

One key theme that emerges is the notion that nostalgia is often driven by a desire to protect and preserve the values and traditions of our ancestors. This nostalgia can manifest in various ways, such as through the preservation of historical landmarks, the celebration of traditional festivals, and the promotion of cultural heritage. However, this nostalgia can also be harmful if it leads to a disregard for the challenges and complexities of the present.

Another theme is the idea that sustainability is closely linked to our ability to imagine and create a better future. The chapters explore how cultural narratives shape our understanding of what a sustainable future might look like and how nostalgia can influence our ability to imagine and create such a future. For example, some cultural narratives may promote a return to traditional ways of living and working, while others may emphasize the importance of innovation and progress.

The chapters also examine how nostalgia can be used to promote sustainability. For example, some individuals and communities may use nostalgia to inspire a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment. They may use historical examples of environmental degradation and conservation efforts to encourage people to take action in the present to protect the environment for future generations.

However, it is important to note that nostalgia can also be used to justify harmful practices and attitudes. For example, some individuals may use nostalgia to promote a return to traditional gender roles or to ignore the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities.

In conclusion, this volume explores the complex relationship between nostalgia and sustainability. It highlights the ways in which cultural assumptions about the past and the present shape our understanding of sustainability and how nostalgia influences our desire to preserve the past for the future. By examining these themes, the volume provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing us as we strive to create a more sustainable and just world.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837641226