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Feminism in Science Fiction

Oct 3, 1997

No more creeping into the dark corners of the library. No more hiding the book cover in a frilly dust jacket. Never again claiming that, "No, that's my little brother's I, Robot." These days women can proudly proclaim their passion for a genre that has historically fallen under the auspices of man. Today, it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to admit to a passion for science fiction. What was considered unseemly is now permissible, even commendable.

Not only has society accepted a woman who enjoys the science fiction genre. So the genre has accepted women. Women science fiction authors are coming forward to claim the attention they so richly deserve. No more hiding behind masculine pseudonyms. No need for Alice Sheldon writing as James Tiptree, Jr. It may even be profitable to write as a woman. The Society for the Furtherance & Study of Fantasy & Science Fiction (SF3) created the Tiptree Award for the work of science fiction or fantasy published in one year which best explores or expands gender roles. The organization also hosts WisCon a gathering of the feminist SF community.

The science fiction realm has also embraced feminism in its fictional worlds. The science fiction genre gives the feminist a unique environment for experimenting with the potential of a non-patriarchal society. This is most clearly examined at the Feminist Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Utopia site created by Laura Quilter and supported by a collective. Her site explores the ways gender influences society. If you're new to feminism in science fiction, and want to sample some of the greats, then start at FSF/F/U's Recommendations for beginners.

Despite the outstanding caliber of the works recommended by FSF/F/U and those that have won the Tiptree Award, feminism in science fiction is in its infancy. Truly, there is plenty of room for the up-and-coming authors that have an interest in this sub-genre.

Check out my booklist for a list of books I have recently read and plan to review.

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3. Oct 11, 1997 8:56 PM
If you looked over the recommendations and it was too "daunting" I'll suggest Atwood's

The Handmaid's Tale

, Connolly's

The Rising of the Moon

and Le Guin's

The Left Han ...

-- posted by Karen_James

2. Oct 5, 1997 8:38 PM
Oh, COOL!!!

I haven't been reading fiction of any sort much for a while (too tempting for me to leave the planet and hide in the books) but I never really much got into science fiction, partly beca ...

-- posted by Ecwrite

1. Oct 3, 1997 7:45 AM
The "Recommendations for Beginners" list was daunting, but one that I remember reading, James Tiptree, Jr.'s "Houston, Houston, Do You Read?", never quite leaves me. The men are a little too "stock" ...

-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth

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