That’s a question Adam Robert’s posed recently:
The prospect of a hugely over-crowded, hyperpopulated future was one raised, famously, by Malthus in his 1798 book An Essay on the Principle of Population. Throughout the 19th-century, the issue was discussed and debated by scientists, commentators, by the writers of magazine articles and publishers of tracts. There were anti-Malthusians who thought the Essay too pessimistic, and rather more who thought its argument sound and who debated the best way to address or ameliorate its alarming prophesy. But here’s my question: why was there no fictional representation of this topic at this time? Science fiction was a vigorous and varied discourse during the whole century, after all. Why did no writers pick-up on over-population as an imaginative theme?
Apparently it wasn’t until the mid-1960s that science fiction took up the problem of over-population. Roberts goes on to note lots of non-fiction took up the topic.
It’s an interesting question, for which I have no answer. If I were to think about it, I’d probably start by asking what made the topic salient in the mid-1960s, which also saw popularization of the problem in non-fiction, e.g. Paul Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb.
At the suggestion of Tyler Cowen, I put the question to ChatGPT. I used the Roberts paragraph as a prompt. Here’s its response (in that pesky numbered list format):
The absence of fictional representations of over-population in 19th-century science fiction despite the intense discussions on the topic can be attributed to several factors. One possible explanation is the cultural and literary context of the time.
1. Literary Tradition and Focus: The 19th century was marked by different literary traditions, and science fiction as a distinct genre was still evolving. Many writers were influenced by Romanticism, Gothic literature, and adventure narratives. The focus of literary works might not have been aligned with the scientific and demographic concerns of the time.
2. Dominant Themes in Science Fiction: Science fiction of the 19th century often explored themes related to technological advancements, exploration, utopias, and dystopias. Writers were more inclined to envision futuristic societies driven by technological innovation rather than focusing on population-related issues.
3. Social and Political Sensitivities: The 19th century was a time of significant social and political changes, including industrialization and urbanization. Writers may have been hesitant to address the sensitive issue of over-population directly in their fiction due to concerns about societal reaction or censorship.
4. Emerging Nature of Science Fiction: During this period, science fiction as a genre was still finding its voice and expanding beyond traditional speculative narratives. The literary landscape was more inclined towards exploring the unknown, otherworldly, and scientific marvels rather than delving into socio-economic issues.
5. Limited Scientific Understanding: While Malthusian ideas were discussed, the understanding of population dynamics and demographics was not as advanced as it is today. Writers may not have had a comprehensive scientific basis to build fictional narratives around over-population.
It's worth noting that science fiction as a genre evolved over time, and the exploration of over-population as a theme became more prevalent in the 20th century when demographic concerns gained renewed attention.
And then there’s the related question: Science fiction did take up the problem in the 1960s – e.g. Harrison, Make Room! Make Room” (1966), Burgess, That Wanting Seed (1962), Brunner Stand on Zanzibar (1968). Why?
The emergence of over-population as a prominent theme in science fiction during the 1960s can be attributed to several factors, reflecting the cultural, social, and scientific context of that time.
1. Population Growth Concerns: The 1960s witnessed a heightened awareness of global population growth and its potential consequences. Issues such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and the strain on societal structures became more pronounced. Science fiction writers often draw inspiration from contemporary concerns, and the perceived urgency of addressing over-population likely influenced their choice of themes.
2. Advancements in Demography and Ecology: By the 1960s, there were significant advancements in the understanding of demography, ecology, and environmental science. The scientific community's increasing awareness of the impact of unchecked population growth provided a more solid foundation for writers to explore these themes in a speculative context.
3. Social and Cultural Changes: The 1960s marked a period of social upheaval and cultural change. Issues related to civil rights, environmentalism, and population control were part of the broader social discourse. Science fiction, as a genre, often reflects and engages with contemporary social concerns, making it a suitable platform for exploring over-population as a speculative concept.
4. Literary Trends and Experimentation: The 1960s saw a broader acceptance of experimental and unconventional literary styles. Authors like John Brunner, in "Stand on Zanzibar," used innovative narrative techniques to explore complex themes, including over-population. This period allowed for more daring and thought-provoking approaches to storytelling.
5. Dystopian Turn in Science Fiction: The 1960s marked a shift towards dystopian themes in science fiction. Authors began to explore the dark side of technological and societal progress. Over-population served as a compelling element in dystopian narratives, reflecting fears and anxieties about the future.
6. Influence of Earlier Discussions: The discussions on over-population in the earlier part of the 20th century, including those inspired by Malthus, may have laid the groundwork for writers to revisit and expand on these themes with a more nuanced understanding.
In summary, the 1960s provided a fertile ground for science fiction writers to delve into the topic of over-population due to a convergence of scientific, social, and cultural factors that made the theme both relevant and compelling for speculative exploration.
Not entirely satisfactory, but it does suggest points of attack, if that’s the right word.
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