7 Metamodern Structural Values

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A defining feature of metamodernism is its emphasis on structural values, which are the underlying principles that shape and guide our actions and beliefs. These values form the foundation for our lives and societies, playing a vital role in determining the direction and quality of our collective and individual experiences.

Here are seven structural values that are central to metamodernism:

How to Use These Values

Use these structural values as creative lenses: let them inspire the cultures, philosophies, and conflicts in your worlds, or shape the motivations and growth of your characters. Try weaving one or more values into your story's core, or use them to challenge your protagonists and societies. Each value below includes a practical prompt to spark ideas.

Art and Ego

Participation in sharing ourselves: Metamodernism recognizes the importance of art and creativity as a means of self-expression and self-discovery. It values the sharing of ourselves and our unique perspectives with the world, and sees this as a key aspect of personal and collective growth and development.

Prompt: What happens when a character's art or self-expression changes the course of a community or world?

Social Theory and Cooperation

Partnership and sharing economy: Metamodernism emphasizes the importance of cooperation and collaboration in achieving shared goals and building more harmonious and sustainable societies. It advocates for a sharing economy model, in which resources and knowledge are shared freely and equitably, rather than hoarded and monopolized by a select few.

Prompt: How does a society built on radical cooperation handle betrayal or scarcity?

Psychology and Motivation

Personalization and knowing thyself: Metamodernism values the importance of self-awareness and self-understanding in achieving personal and collective well-being. It recognizes the need for personalized approaches to motivation and growth, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Prompt: What unique inner path must your protagonist take to truly "know themselves"?

Philosophy and Education

Pedagogy and teaching through problem solving: Metamodernism values education as a lifelong process of learning and growth, rather than simply a means to acquire job skills or status. It emphasizes the importance of experiential and problem-based learning, and sees education as a means of fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Prompt: How does a culture's approach to education shape its heroes and conflicts?

Ecology and Capitalism

Purpose above profit: Metamodernism recognizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of all living beings and natural systems, and values the importance of preserving and protecting the environment. It advocates for a shift away from capitalism as a primary economic model, towards one that prioritizes purpose and sustainability above profit.

Prompt: What happens when a society must choose between survival and profit?

Mythology and Leadership

Power shift, leading from behind, and understanding complex natural systems: Metamodernism values leadership that is inclusive, collaborative, and compassionate, rather than authoritarian and hierarchical. It advocates for a power shift away from traditional leadership models, towards a more distributed and collective approach that recognizes the complexity and interdependence of natural systems.

Prompt: What new myths or legends arise when leadership is shared or decentralized?

Globalization and Democracy

Planetary shift to a more inclusive, compassionate leadership: Metamodernism recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all human societies and cultures, and values the importance of globalization as a means of fostering greater understanding and cooperation among different nations and communities. It advocates for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to leadership at all levels, one that seeks to build bridges rather than walls, and to find common ground rather than creating divisions.

Prompt: How does your world respond to the challenge of uniting diverse cultures under a common cause?

Overall, metamodernism offers a holistic approach to understanding and improving the world we live in. It recognizes the complexity and interdependence of all aspects of life, and seeks to integrate and synthesize different perspectives and approaches in order to create a more harmonious and sustainable future for all.

7 Metamodern Structural Values

Instant Access to 75+ Free Resources

How to Use These Values

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