Outer Space as Viewed by Sociologists: Astrosociology as a New Sociological Discipline

Abstract

Today space exploration is a focus of many disciplines – not only engineering or natural science but also social sciences and humanities. A number of socio-humanitarian studies dealing with space exploration form a disciplinary field of astrosociology. The author defines and analyzes two concepts of astrosociology – sociological and interdisciplinary.  

Sociological concept implies that astrobiology is an integral part of social sciences and describes astrosocial phenomena using sociological theory. The physical specifics of the outer space makes space exploration activities distinctive, that is why the theoretical framework of astrosociology relies on the sociology of space.  The author defines astrosociology as a sub-discipline which studies social connections, actions and collective representations emerging in the course of exploration and appropriation of outer space.

However, according to the most widespread concept of astrosociology today socio-humanitarian problems of space exploration are examined through cultural studies, philosophy, social anthropology, economy, and law, etc.  

The article systemizes the disciplinary structure of astrosociology. Based on a theoretical study the author defines the problem, object, subject matter, purpose and tasks of astrosociology. The structure of the discipline outlining its object field encompasses multiple research areas such as organization and preparation, earth-based and spaceflight-related issues, colonization, constructivist and transformational areas. The author attempts to systematize the current and perspective topics of future research within these areas.  

Acknowledgements. The author is grateful to his scientific supervisor V.B. Zvonovsky (Doctor of Sociology, Professor at the Samara State Economic University, Samara) for his comprehensive support, wise advice and constructive criticism.