prefigurationsthat

Prefigurationsthat is a coined term used in discussions of social and political theory to refer to the tangible forms that embody a desired future within present-day practice. The idea is that certain practices, institutions, or artifacts function as living demonstrations of the future society or system that activists and communities aim to bring about, thereby shaping expectations and possible outcomes.

Origin and usage of the term are not standardized, and it appears mainly in contemporary debates and analytical writing on prefigurative politics. Proponents treat prefigurationsthat as more than ideals, emphasizing concrete manifestations—such as governance structures, routines, and shared resources—that can model the intended state in the here and now. The term is often discussed as an extension or emphasis within the broader concept of prefigurative politics.

In relation to prefigurative politics, prefigurationsthat highlight enacted practices rather than solely aspirational goals. They focus on how present-day arrangements—how decisions are made, how resources are allocated, and how social relations are organized—signal the kind of society future actors want to realize. This emphasis on material forms complements theoretical arguments about alignment between means and ends.

Examples commonly cited as prefigurationsthat include democratic worker cooperatives that practice equal decision-making, mutual aid networks that rely on voluntary participation and shared provisioning, participatory budgeting processes that model inclusive governance, and community land trusts that embody collective stewardship. These artifacts and practices can serve both as tools for organizing and as demonstrations intended to inspire broader change.

Critiques of the concept point to risks such as over-optimizing for present demonstrations at the expense of feasibility, potential co-optation by existing power structures, and tensions between immediate needs and long-term visions. As a term, prefigurationsthat remains subject to interpretation and varies with context. See also prefigurative politics and social movement theory.