ABSTRACT
In previous chapters we placed a major emphasis on science fiction as an ideological form. On the one hand, we examined science fiction texts in relation to the ideology of scientism. On the other hand, we have observed audiences who concern themselves with the ‘social control’ or ‘social change’ possibilities of science fiction. Not all audiences, however, respond to the ‘politics’ of Doctor Who. As we will see, among the Australian fans (Chapter 8) detailed discussion about the show’s politics leads to a breakdown of dialogue; among the young mothers (Chapter 6), while politics is specified as important, it is not engaged with in any particular way (except by one feminist); and among the ‘literary’ SF fans (Chapter 3) the show’s politics was rejected unless this worked via notions of ‘serious’ science fiction.
