Historical novels require a lot of research, and the really good ones give the modern reader a snapshot into the past. But how many times have any of us read a book were not much thought was given to the time period? Things change over time. In the 1950’s, tattoos were considered very low class or even criminal. Today, tattoos are considered artwork.

But what about fantasy and science fiction worlds? Can anyone tell me when the last time they picked up a book, and the characters did not have a 21st century mindset?

In Young Adult novels, this type of writing can be excused… sort of. The intended audience is of on age where they’re unlikely to have much world experience.

As for the older audience, unless someone is sheltered in some way, it’s likely they know more about life in general.

The definition of a social construct is something that exists not in objective reality, but as a result of human interaction. It exists because humans agree that it exists.

For example, dresses are for women and kilts for men. But what’s the difference? Is it the material, pleats, or pattern? None of the above. Society says there’s a difference and so it is.

So when inventing a new society, why make it a duplicate of the world you live in? Sure, there’re elves and aliens, but that doesn’t mean anything if they act like straight laced Victorians or Southern Baptists. What are the social constructs of your world? Yes, you’ll probably need to tell\show your reader, but that’s part of storytelling.

Say there is a member of the cult of Aphrodite in the story. You know, the ancient Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. How are the characters of said story going to treat this person? How will the character see themselves? Especially if this character is a woman.

Our modern society would probably call the character a prostitute, and the woman would not have a very good view of herself. I’m not saying that their lot in life was all that great. I wasn’t there. But at least the society of the time didn’t look down their noses at these women or treat them like they were a problem in society, and not the servants of a temple. Think of a nun, but with the benefits of picking out a hunky fireman to spend time with.

So the next time you write, ask yourself if you’re saddling your story with your societies constructs or are you willing to create something different?