Introduction to Astrosociology: An Assessment of its Definition, Scope, and Relevance
- Paper number
IAC-06-E5.3.07
- Author
Mr. Jesper Jørgensen, SpaceArch, Denmark
- Coauthor
Dr. Jim Pass, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Astrosociology represents a new subfield of sociology as well as a new multidisciplinary field inclusive of the other social sciences, behavioral sciences, and the humanities (hereafter referred to as simple “the social sciences” for brevity). It was founded by Jim Pass in July 2003 with the uploading of a website called Astrosociology.com. The purpose of this new field is to fill the long overdue need to create a single body of knowledge and related literature that focus on the relationship between space activities and human societies. Astrosociology is the study of astrosocial phenomena, or social and cultural patterns related to space. Currently, most astrosocial phenomena occur on Earth, though more will take place beyond the Earth as the space age progresses. The purpose of this essay involves demonstrating the need for astrosociology for the social sciences as well as the physical sciences, including its potential and relevance in the twenty-first century. A most significant theme here also involves the argument that as space activities become more advanced, the following two patterns will grow more complex and influential as time goes by: (1) the impact of astrosocial phenomena on terrestrial societies and extraterrestrial human colonies (or space societies) and (2) the nature of human missions and expeditions involving the need to ensure the survivability of social environments isolated from the Earth in space. These two trends require that the social science community and the space community break down the wall that historically divides them so they may formally collaborate to address these new realities before they emerge to potentially overwhelm the physical scientists and engineers who still remain largely unfamiliar with the topics commonly addressed by social scientists. Collaboration is vital because astrosocial phenomena will increasingly reveal their social and cultural characteristics as they become more critical to individuals, social groups, social institutions, entire societies, and at the level of international relations. In other words, as the space age unfolds, astrosocial phenomena will only increase in terms of their influence on the human species for the various reasons discussed in this essay.
- Abstract document