How Do Aspirations Matter?

Figures & data

Figure 1. Dynamic multi-dimensional model of aspirations (Hart 2004, 66).

Figure 2. Model of an individual’s dispositions towards different aspects of life.

Figure 3. Process of aspiration distillation into capabilities and functionings.

Figure 4. Model of conversion factors and intergenerational capital transfer.

Table 1. Sample objections to the pursuit of aspirations

Objection	Reason
x is not possible	Unlikely to succeed, low feasibility, wasted resources
We need you to do x (or not do x) so we can do x (or y, z, … )	Dependence, need for cooperation
If you do x we cannot do x (or y, z, … )	Conflict of priorities, threat to hierarchy, status quo, power relations
You should not do x	Moral, ethical, spiritual, faith
You cannot do x	Laws, rights, custom and practice
You cannot do x	Not sustainable, equitable (e.g. not all can do x, or negative future effect on others)
You cannot do x	Too risky, in financial, or other terms

Table 2. Examples of criteria used to judge aspirations

Criterion	Possible questions for reflection
1. Feasibility	How likely is the aspiration to be realized?
	E.g. linked to perceptions of resources (and forms of capital), support, know-how available, problem-solving abilities and perceived possibility of success (irrespective of legality, morality, sustainability, etc.). An aspiration might thus be judged feasible, but not morally or legally defensible
2. Risk	How risky is the aspiration?
	E.g. may relate to economic, human (physical, psychological, social) environmental, commercial or legal risk factors. Level of perceived risk will depend on risk disposition of those judging, for example, as “estimative” or “resolute” hopers in Webb’s (2008) terms
3. Ethics	How ethical and morally sound is the aspiration?
	E.g. relates to personal, social and institutional ethical, cultural, faith-based and moral considerations
4. Legal	How does the aspiration fit with existing policies, entitlements, rights and legislation?
	E.g. related to whether the aspiration is aligned with or conflicts with different regulations and laws. Some aspirations may call for new or revised legislation, rights or entitlements
5. Sustainability	How sustainable is the aspiration?
	E.g. perceptions may be linked to maintenance and preservation of the natural environment, human species survival but also the sustainability of commercial, political or other institutional interests
6. Priority	How important is the aspiration, now, in the future?
	E.g. perceptions may be linked to the outlook of those judging (e.g. as self- or other-interested); their roles and stata; whether, for example, economic priorities are perceived to outweigh health priorities by decision-makers; the perceived relevance to individuals and society
7. Temporal	How relevant is the aspiration at this point in time, and will this change over time?
	E.g. this relates to whether the aspiration is a response to an urgent situation, a one-off opportunity, commercially time-sensitive, politically time-sensitive and so forth

Hart, C. S. 2004. “A Study of Students’ Aspirations and Needs in Relation to Aim Higher Widening Participation Policy.” MPhil thesis, University of Cambridge.

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Webb, D. 2008. “Exploring the Relationship Between Hope and Utopia: Towards a Conceptual Framework.” Politics 28 (3): 197–206. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9256.2008.00329.x

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