The Evolution of Science Fiction: How It Has Changed Since the 1980s

Science fiction (SF) has undergone significant changes since the 1980s. Readers who grew up with the genre in the 80s likely had a different experience when diving into contemporary anthologies. For instance, when you recently purchased a “best of 1995” anthology, you might have noticed stories that were either incomprehensible or not even truly SF. This article explores the reasons behind these changes and how the genre has evolved over the decades.

Changes in the Genre

The field of SF has certainly evolved in many ways. Each generation of writers in the SF genre is influenced by the works that came before, both positively and negatively. For instance, the new writers of the 1980s were influenced by the writers of the 1970s and 1960s, and so on. Furthermore, each generation of writers also reflects the concerns of their time. Writers of the 1980s, for instance, often wrote about the Cold War, whereas in the 1990s, the focus shifted as the Cold War ended, bringing new issues into the narrative.

From Hard Sci-Fi to a Wider Tent

Disturbingly, in the 1980s, SF was still dominated by what is known as “hard” sci-fi, which emphasizes scientific and technological accuracy. However, magazines such as Analog played a significant role in this. Analog was known for its hard sci-fi content, which was also influential in shaping the genre. Its rival, Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine, had a more liberal approach and often featured stories with a broader perspective. Other venues for new writing were even more liberal in both style and politics.

By the 1990s, there was a noticeable swing from the hard and conservative approach, reflecting a shift in the readership and, consequently, the writers. Critics argue that these stylistic and political changes began much earlier. Names like Alfred Bester, Ursula K. Le Guin, Norman Spinrad, and Michael Moorcock were experimenting with the genre long before the 1980s. Their works laid the groundwork for the genre's evolution.

The Impact of Women in SF

SF has always been more inclusive than any single venue might suggest. For example, it is challenging to hide behind a male pseudonym anymore, especially for female authors. There was once a time when works by women had to be published under male pen names (cough, like C.J. Cherryh and Andre Norton). But today, this is no longer the case, and female authors can publish under their real names without fear.

Adaptation and Preservation

While the genre has changed, it has also improved in many ways. However, some readers seem unwilling to embrace these changes. It's understandable to have a preference for the classics, but it's also important to explore the new works that have emerged. Amazon can be a good starting point for finding new authors who may align with your tastes. Just look up the old authors you used to enjoy and see what Amazon recommends based on your previous reading patterns.

In conclusion, while the genre of science fiction has changed significantly since the 1980s, it's important to remember that progress and evolution are a natural part of any creative field. Whether you prefer the genres of the past or are open to exploring new ones, there's always something fresh to discover in the ever-changing world of SF.