Work

Between Extrapolation and Speculation: Reading Octavia E. Butler in the Geography Classroom

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT In this commentary, we explore how the work of Octavia E. Butler, a prominent Black feminist speculative fiction author, can enrich teaching practices aimed at fostering collective and emancipatory forms of future‐making in Political and Urban Geography. Focusing on Butler's Parables duology, a significant example of climate fiction, we demonstrate how fictional narratives of home‐making can shape our understanding of the present and encourage reflection on methods of envisioning the future. We argue that Butler's approach, which combines logical extrapolation with creative speculation, can cultivate transformative practices. This dual and intertwined methodology supports a critical engagement with plausible futures and spatial imaginaries, making it a valuable component of geographical curricula.

Source: Geographical Journal

DOI: 10.1111/geoj.70067

Authors: Frank I. Müller, Anke Schwarz

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Language: English

Topic: Utopian, Dystopian, and Speculative Fiction

Subfield: Philosophy

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,840