User:Vipul/Causal layered analysis

Causal layered analysis (sometimes capitalized as Causal Layered Analysis and abbreviated as CLA) is a techhnique used in strategic planning and futures studies to more effectively shape the future. The technique was pioneered by Sohail Inayatullah, a futures studies researcher.

Theory
Causal layered analysis works by identifying many different levels, and attempting to make synchronized changes at all levels to create a coherent new future. Inayatullah's original paper as well as his TEDx talk identify four levels:


 * 1) The litany: This includes quantitative trends, often exaggerated and used for political purposes. The result could be a feeling of apathy, helplessness, or projected action. Inayatullah calls this "the conventional level of futures research which can readily create a politics of fear."
 * 2) Social causes, including economic, cultural, political, and historical factors.
 * 3) Structure and the discourse' that legitimizes and supports the structure.
 * 4) Metaphor and myth

History of research
CLA was first introduced explicitly as a futures research technique by Sohail Inayatullah in a 19988 article for Futures that would come to be widely cited. Later, Inayatullah would edit the CLA Reader, that featured chapters from a number of futurists and practitioners describing their experience with CLA.

Inayatullah's work on CLA was examined in a book by Jose W. Ramos in 2003.

A 2008 article by Chris Riedy examined the similarities, differences, and possible combinations of CLA and Ken Wilber's integral theory.

A 2010 article by Gary P. Hampson explored the relationship between integral futures and CLA further, and also considered Richard Slaughter's critique of CLA.