What is Astrosociology?
Jim Pass

Definition of the Field

Astrosociology is a relatively new field defined as the study of astrosocial phenomena (i.e., the social, cultural, and behavioral patterns related to outer space).  The field originally began as a sociological perspective almost exclusively for a very short time.  Almost immediately, however, it became clear that contributions were required from the other social and behavioral sciences, the humanities, and the arts (hereafter referred to as the "social sciences" for brevity).  Thus, from almost the very beginning, astrosociology was intended as both (1) a subdiscipline of sociology and (2) a multidisciplinary field that includes, but is by no means limited to disciplines/fields such as psychology, anthropology, economics, social psychology, political science, space history, space law, space policy, philosophy, as well as the arts.  Thus, astrosociology is more inclusive than merely a sociological approach!

Astrosociology in its current form was founded and introduced in 2004 by Dr. Jim Pass to fill a void in the social sciences that seemed nearly as expansive as the vacuum of space.  It is intended to make space research more balanced by adding a major focus -- the human dimension -- to our understanding of space exploration and related areas of inquiry such as space societies (more commonly referred to as space settlements and space colonies).  The field of astrosociology takes a perspective that emphasizes the study of the relationship between "outer space and society," sometimes referred to as the "intersection between space exploration and humanity." This relationship is characterized by a two-way, or reciprocal, interaction between the two and occurs at the micro, middle (or meso), macro, global, and, at some point in the future, the interplanetary level.

Looking Outward and Looking Inward

Astrosociologists do indeed look outward into space as most people would assume, but they also look inward at how space affects terrestrial societies.  A few good examples of the latter inward-looking perspective includes the analysis of solving social problems with space assets, the study of the impact of technology transfers and spinoffs on society, and the monitoring and study of social change moving a particular social system toward an ideal type known as a spacefaring society.  Astrosociology's inward gaze recognizes the obvious fact that most human beings still live on Earth, but also that space exploration affects those human beings and their social structures.  In fact, astrosociology remains relevant wherever humanity resides as the stars will have an impact.

Organization and Collaboration

It is abundantly clear that scientists, scholars, and practitioners of both major branches of science (i.e., the natural/physical branch and the social science branch) must work together in order to achieve the most comprehensive understanding of space exploration and all of the related issues.  We can no longer afford to rely solely on the traditional branch of science because the social science branch can contribute so much.  We can no longer afford to ignore the other branch of science if we wish to advance as a species in both environments (i.e., outer space and within "terrestrial" societies).  Rocket science is no longer adequate on its own -- the future of humanity in outer space requires equal input from the social science branch!

Astrosociology is now positioned to bridge the "Great Divide" between the two branches of science in a way that ties them both together, allowing humanity to move forward by increasing its knowledge about space and the place of the human species in the cosmos.  Such astrosocial knowledge will result in benefits to humanity in both extraterrestrial and terrestrial environments.  It is well past the time to consciously construct an astrosociological body of knowledge and related literature through an organized and formalized effort.

Thus, astrosociologists (through ARI and other means) seek to (1) organize both existing and student "social scientists" interested in issues related to outer space and (2) establish strong formal and permanent collaborative structures with the traditional members of the space community at the individual and organizational levels.  Developing astrosociology will benefit the sciences, people, organizations, societies, and humanity at large.  Outer space will impact on societies more strongly as the twentieth century unfolds, so humanity must step up to meet the challenge of understanding it; and, more importantly, taking advantage of it.  The good news:  social scientists interested in space issues no longer need to work in isolation.  Collaboration within the social science disciplines represents a vital objective.  In addition, students who desire to study the various issues related to any of the astrosociological specializations finally have a means to pursue their interests.

All members of the space community (e.g., space architects engineers, astronomers, and planetary scientists) who desire to broaden their perspectives to include various astrosociological issues are welcome to consider working with ARI in some capacity.  For example, there is a strong relationship between the fields of aerospace engineering and the field of astrosociology in the area of space societies.  We have focused on the physical environment for the most part in the past.  We must now begin to examine the social environment much more thoroughly.

Astrosociological Subfields

As one can see above by clicking on the various images at the top of this page, astrosociology could indeed become characterized by a large scope of subfields.  Some subfields do not yet exist.  Medical astrosociology is a good example of this.  Others, such as space history, space policy, and space law, do currently exist in various forms within different types of programs and departments, though an astrosociological perspective can add new insights.

Thus, it remains unclear at the outset of this field's development whether all, some, or none of these existing areas of study will fold into the field of astrosociology as subfields.  It may be that some do, while others exist within other programs and within astrosociology.  In any case, these topics have astrosociological relevance.  Thus, although collaboration would become the least integrative option, even this alternative allows experts' ideas from other fields to cross-pollinate with those held by dedicated astrosociologists.  Only time will tell how things work themselves out.

Applied Astrosociology

For those who prefer a practical approach (rather than a more theoretical one) to conducting astrosociology, applied astrosociology provides an opportunity to make "tangible" contributions to human space exploration and related issues relevant to social life in outer space as well as on Earth.  Applied astrosociology is defined broadly as the application of astrosocial knowledge to the attempt to solve social problems relevant to both space concerns and all aspects of terrestrial social life.  This definition infers participation in the planning of space missions that involve a human presence in some way -- once astrosociologists receive access from the space community-- and evaluation research as well.  Applied astrosociology makes it possible to use knowledge for human benefit and progress, to instigate social change in a favorable direction.  Space-based energy is but one example of this.  Mitigation of social problems is another example.  

Thus, the idea of applied astrosociology is not new to sociology or the various other social sciences.  Rather, the field of astrosociology simply carries the same time-honored tradition forward in its new application of applied research to those space-related issues that involve the human dimension.    Undoubtedly, practical applications of astrosociological research and practice will prove invaluable to the progress of human space exploration and other endeavors in space.

Read the Inaugural Essay

Dr. Pass formally introduced astrosociology as a bonafide field in greater detail when he uploaded Part One of his Inaugural Essay to the original website, Astrosociology.com, in early January of 2004.  Part Two followed in November 2004.

Click on a button above to read either part of the essay that first defined a new field called "astrosociology" and described its high level of potential for improving our understanding of the relationship between humanity and outer space.