The new right stuff: Social imaginaries of outer space and the capitalist accumulation of the cosmos

Genovese, Taylor R. (2017) The new right stuff: Social imaginaries of outer space and the capitalist accumulation of the cosmos. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

Preview

Text Genovese_T_The_new_right_stuff_social_imaginaries.pdf Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike. Download (151MB) | Preview

Abstract

This thesis utilizes ethnographic and historical data in order to propose that the trajectory of outer space imaginaries—and therefore, as will be demonstrated, the future realities of outer space affairs—has drifted from peaceful exploration to violent exploitation due to the rise of private space corporations (operating under the moniker of NewSpace). This is partially due to the increasing acceptance of neoliberal capitalism within the United States—and much of the Global North—since the 1970s. Furthermore, NewSpace companies—which now possess multi-billion dollar contracts with governmental space agencies—are zealous adopters of neoliberal economics, and these philosophies are tied to colonial conceptions of the individual, limited governance, unchecked resource extraction, and frontier mentalities. These concepts became apparent during my multi-sited ethnographic investigations of NewSpace—as well as governmental—facilities and museums. This thesis argues that these hegemonic economic ontologies must be met with resistance from social scientists, science fiction authors, and the public in order to create a human future in outer space that is equitable, decolonized, and democratic.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	religion and theology; Communication and the arts; Anarchism; Neoliberalism; Outer space; Science fiction; Social imaginaries
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Anthropology
Date Deposited:	03 Jul 2018 17:42
URI:	http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5022

Actions (login required)

IR Staff Record View

Downloads