Post-Automobility Futures: Technology, Power, and Imaginaries

This book offers a new perspective on automobility by reconceptualizing it as both an imaginary and a dreamscape, and proposes that it must end as we know it in order to address the challenges, externalities, and tragedies it has brought upon us.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This captivating book delves into a profound phenomenological and deconstructive exploration of the automobility imaginary, unveiling the ordinary automobility reality that permeates our daily lives. To navigate a successful transition towards a post-automobility future, we must adopt fresh perspectives and conceptualizations of automobility, one of the most influential and powerful imaginaries of contemporary neo-liberalism. This book presents a groundbreaking perspective by reconceptualizing automobility as both an imaginary and a dreamscape, offering a transformative roadmap for a future free from the constraints and consequences of our reliance on automobiles.

Automobility, we contend, must come to an end as we currently understand it in order to address the numerous challenges, externalities, and tragedies it has brought about. Our vision for a post-automobility future is one that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and human well-being. We believe that by reimagining our transportation systems and embracing alternative modes of mobility, we can create a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive society.

In this book, we explore the multifaceted dimensions of automobility, from its historical roots to its contemporary manifestations. We examine the ways in which automobility has shaped our cities, landscapes, and social interactions, and the ways in which it has perpetuated inequality, environmental degradation, and social isolation. We also explore the potential of alternative transportation modes, such as public transit, cycling, and walking, to address these issues and create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Furthermore, we argue that the end of automobility must be accompanied by a shift in our cultural and societal norms. We must recognize the importance of reducing our dependence on automobiles and promoting a more car-free lifestyle. This can involve promoting urban planning practices that prioritize walkability and bikeability, investing in public transportation infrastructure, and incentivizing individuals to choose alternative modes of mobility.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the automobility imaginary and its implications for our future. By reconceptualizing automobility as both an imaginary and a dreamscape, we provide a roadmap for a successful transition towards a post-automobility future that is sustainable, equitable, and human-centered. Let us embrace this opportunity to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 513g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538158852