Description
Book SynopsisSince it first aired in 1966, Star Trek led American television into a more progressive era by presenting a diverse cast interacting as equals, demonstrating expertise and efficiency as they lead a starship across the galaxy. To this day, the Star Trek franchise strives to inspire viewers to find beauty in diversity and progress. In Social Movements and the Collective Identity of the Star Trek Fandom: Boldly Going Where No Fans Have Gone Before, David G. LoConto explores the development of the Star Trek fandom from its tough beginnings in the 1960s to its popularity explosion in the 1990s and its triumphant return in 2017. LoConto analyzes the cultural phenomena of Star Trek through a social psychological approach, using symbolic interaction theory and strategic ritualization theory as well as ideas from Habermas and Foucault to track the fandom’s movements, values, and evolution.
Table of ContentsPart I: Foundations
Chapter One: The Importance of Narratives, Science Fiction and Star Trek
Chapter Two: Fandom
Part II: Star Trek Fandom, 1966-2019
Chapter Three: Symbolic Interaction, Resource Mobilization Theory and Fandom, 1966-1969
Chapter Four: Social Movement Societies and Fandom, 1970-1979
Chapter Five: From Social Movement Society to Stability, 1980-1989
Chapter Six: Cultural Diffusion and Changing Identity 1990-2001
Chapter Seven: The Long Road and Multiphrenia, 2001-2016
Chapter Eight: We Deserve a New Series! New Beginnings
Part III: Behavior and Star Trek Fandom
Chapter Nine: Collective Identity and Rituals at Conventions
Chapter Ten: I Cosplay Therefore I Am
Chapter Eleven: Power, Politics and the Fandom
Chapter Twelve: The Impact of Social and Digital Media on the Fandom
Part IV: Conclusions
Chapter Thirteen: The Future of Star Trek and its Fandom
