Imaginary Worlds: Invitation to an Argument

The author proposes a comparative framework for studying imaginary worlds in the social sciences, using examples from science fiction, fantasy fiction, and steampunk. They argue that economic and existential alienation drive participation in imaginary worlds and offer insights into social and cultural organization. Implications for social scientists and educators are discussed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The author of this work argues that a comparative framework for the study of imaginary worlds in the social sciences is necessary. To support this argument, the author uses extended examples from science fiction, fantasy fiction, and the living movement of steampunk. The reader is invited to engage in an argument about how best to define imaginary worlds and approach them as social locations for qualitative research. The author suggests that increasing economic and existential forms of alienation fuel the contemporary surge of participation in imaginary worlds and impel a search for more humane forms of social and cultural organization. The author also suggests that imaginary worlds can be useful to social scientists as places for testing out theoretical formulations and as tools for teaching in our classrooms.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031086434
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022