ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the focus is on the emotional aspect of mobilities in everyday life and how utopias can respond to these emotions. Everyday life is not an isolated unit but is constantly challenged and influenced by the multi-scale character of social practice, identity formation, global and local news, commercials, and politics. The basis on which people build their everyday lives reveals that which creates meaning and significance and thus also how, through their practice, they shape societal institutions. The “argumentative turn” in policy analysis investigates shifts in society's discursive patterns and structures and offers the tools to understand the significance of creating new “utopias” about everyday life rhythms, hopes, dreams, and expectations. Utopias can provide orientations toward futures and paying attention to emotions does not equal neglecting rationalities or systemic thinking. Through a shift in focus away from individuals as rational economic beings when deciding which mobilities to use in everyday life, perspectives on the emotionally driven practice of everyday life mobilities become visible. This creates a storytelling that responds to the needs and aspirations of citizens and politicians when suggesting alternative mobilities futures in the city.
