Alien Constructions: Science Fiction and Feminist Thought

by Patricia Melzer

Though set in other worlds populated by alien beings, science fiction is a site where humans can critique and re-imagine the paradigms that shape this world, from fundamentals such as the sex and gender of the body to global power relations among sexes, races, and nations. Feminist thinkers and writers are increasingly recognizing science fiction's potential to shatter patriarchal and heterosexual norms, while the creators of science fiction are bringing new depth and complexity to the genre by engaging with feminist theories and politics. This book maps the intersection of feminism and science fiction through close readings of science fiction literature by Octavia E. Butler, Richard Calder, and Melissa Scott and the movies The Matrix and the Alien series. Patricia Melzer analyzes how these authors and films represent debates and concepts in three areas of feminist identity and difference, feminist critiques of science and technology, and the relationship among gender identity, body, and desire, including the new gender politics of queer desires, transgender, and intersexed bodies and identities. She demonstrates that key political elements shape these debates, including global capitalism and exploitative class relations within a growing international system; the impact of computer, industrial, and medical technologies on women's lives and reproductive rights; and posthuman embodiment as expressed through biotechnologies, the body/machine interface, and the commodification of desire. Melzer's investigation makes it clear that feminist writings and readings of science fiction are part of a feminist critique of existing power relations—and that the alien constructions (cyborgs, clones, androids, aliens, and hybrids) that populate postmodern science fiction are as potentially empowering as they are threatening.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Philosophy, Academic

325 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Cole Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Melzer's Alien Constructions examines works of sf from a feminist perspective. She primarily separates her analysis into three sections: difference and colonial experience in feminist sf, technology and gender in sf film, and posthuman experiences in feminist sf. Although she had interesting ideas and integrated various works of science fiction into her theory in unique ways, the collection as a whole was somewhat disjointed. The writing often seemed to be summarizing texts and theorists without a deeper level of thought that would make this a more interesting exploration. Although each of the three sections were unique on their own, particularly her section examining technologies and gender in science fiction film (Part II), much if it seemed to follow fairly common interpretations.

It is a good introductory piece for people just dipping their toes into sf, particularly feminist sf, but for people who have read other works of sf theory it will be a disappointment.

[Vasile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read! The title says it all