Tempo, narrazione e mutamento sociale

The idea of the future is influenced by the uncertainties inherent in global society. Therefore, the way to picture time is paramount – where time is social, distinguished into Chronós and Kairós. The conjugation of these two forms of time makes it possible, with a view to the future, to redefine the 'cultural goals' and the 'legitimate means' of individuals or groups. It is precisely on the basis of Merton’s adaptations of the goal-means balance, cross-referenced with Touraine’s tripartition (individual, subject, and actor), that I will outline, in the following pages, the possible functions of narratives and its effects on social change.