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Re:The Rise of Dismal Science Fiction by TheOtherHobbes on Friday March 23, 2018 @10:21PM (#16664404)
SF is the only literary form to focus consistently on politics and economics. This goes back past Heinlein to the pulps of the 30s and 40s.
Re:The Rise of Dismal Science Fiction by mirimir on Friday March 23, 2018 @11:13PM (#16664595)
And further back, if you consider Swift's Gulliver's Travels (1726) to be SF. There is a flying island, after all.

SF and fantasy give authors much greater leeway to challenge cherished beliefs. Because it's all so preposterous.