Future time perspective in sociocultural contexts: A discussion paper

Future time perspective (FTP) serves as a strong motivational force for individuals to engage in activites that may be instrumental in future outcomes. There has been a voluminous body of research studies, to date, that explored the importance of FTP. This article discusses FTP from sociocultural perspectives. Based on previous empirical evidence, we contend that FTP is related closely to a person's sociocultural identity. We situate theoretical discussion within the context of the Pacific and argue that a person's FTP is shaped by his/her cultural identity, class and historical origin. Drawing from evidence cited, we also raise a number of issues and offer directions for future research in this area of inquiry.