Towards Inclusionary Future Imaginaries: Extended Reality Technologies (XR) for Marginalized Groups

Abstract Rather than tackling the fundamental divides faced by contemporary societies, many of the latest advancements in digital technologies seem to exacerbate them. The failure to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity risks perpetuating inaccessible spaces, exclusionary digital citizenship, and new forms of violence against marginalized groups. This chapter integrates insights from alternative future studies, Critical Disability, Black, Feminist, Queer and Native Studies, and Crip Theory, to advocate for inclusionary anticipatory action and pathways towards more inclusive socio-digital futures. This chapter is guided by two objectives. The first objective is to highlight diverse approaches to alternative futuring that can be used to develop more inclusive future pathways with diverse population groups. Alternative futuring methodologies not only expose existing inequalities and power dynamics but also challenge patriarchal, racist and ableist structures, rethinking societal norms for future developments. Central to this objective is the need for co-productive research methods that actively involve marginalized groups in imagining the future. The second objective is to illustrate, using the example of extended reality (XR) technologies, the challenges posed by current technological developments, and to demonstrate how alternative, co-productive (XR) futuring could foster more inclusive developments.