How Would You Like Your Science Fiction Served?

Felicia Gulotta // Blog Writer

Walking through a bookstore, it is often difficult finding the science fiction section. Once found, usually in the back, the next step is sorting through books “incorrectly” labeled science fiction. These incorrectly labeled books refer to the fantasy novels that continue to be thrown onto the shelves of science fiction. Even in 2016, big book conglomerates still think that these two (vastly) different genres can be easily slouched together. Nevertheless, you’ve successfully sorted the science fiction from the fantasy and begin to pick out titles that draw your attention.

But what catches your eye today, is it some soft science fiction (Soft SF) or hard science fiction (Hard SF)? While the definitions of Soft SF and Hard SF are often disputed, there is a general consensus of the role science plays for both. In general, Soft SF uses science that might not be plausible or the most realistic. The focus of these novels doesn’t really revolve around the science at play and instead might hone in on emotions. On the other hand, Hard SF is, as Max Gladstone would say, “where the math works.” Not only is science necessary to the Hard SF story, but it’s central, almost becoming a character itself.

Another difference between Soft SF and Hard SF seems to be the intended audience. For one reason or another, Soft SF appears to be marketed towards a female audience while Hard SF is usually geared toward a male audience. The widely popular Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Divergent by Veronica Roth are key Soft SF pieces showcasing the focus on the female reader. But these books are also more examples of how science fiction geared toward a female audience continues to revolve around the emotional development of the lead character. And, more often than not, the love interest to the female protagonist make up a main part of her storyline. Why can’t science be the love interest for our femme fatale?

The same can’t really be said for many popular Hard SF novels. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card features a male protagonist and he alone will be Earth’s savior or destroyer. Secluded for most of the novel, he doesn’t have a love interest, let alone any real friends. Books like Ender’s Game have a clear focus on the science, which shapes much of the world, characters, and plot. Something else these books have in common? In case you may have missed it, it’s a male protagonist and is marketed towards guys.

But, with the explosion of nerd culture, more people are interested in science fiction, including girls. In fact, since books like Ender’s Game (1985), Dune (1965), and The Time Machine (1895) continue selling in the years after their release, it shows how science fiction is a genre that has maintained its popularity through the decades. It would be profitable for publishing houses to see this and realize that females make up a decent portion of the audience that keeps the genre alive, and this female audience would like to see some Hard SF meant for them. After all, you can still have a female focused novel with a male protagonist. (Sure, a female lead would be lovely, but baby steps.)