The future of hybridity

Abstract

Chapter 8 reflects on the future of hybridity as a strategy for social impact organizing. Hybridity is presented as a deliberate choice, not a default condition. This requires commitment across individual, organizational, and societal levels. The chapter emphasizes intentional hybridity as a source of resilience, drawing on the concept of “hybrid vigor.” Examples from research on interorganizational networks and B Corps highlight opportunities and challenges in choosing, practicing, and committing to hybridity. The authors argue for further attention to the changing roles of gatekeepers, expertise, and discourses in shaping controversial, or “emerging,” social issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; climate change; and reproductive rights. The chapter concludes by urging social impact organizers to embrace complexity, prevent zero-sum or dichotomous thinking, and adopt communicative practices of meaningful work and inclusive social impact.