<p> This collection of essays examines the potential connections between speculative fiction and actual social change. Through a variety of approaches the contributors explore whether consumers of science fiction and fantasy narratives can experience a real shift in their worldviews as a result of that consumption. Topics include the utopian vision of California in Ursula K. LeGuin's <I>Always Coming Home</I> the changing role of women in science fiction pulp magazines and the representation of progress and social change in popular graphic novels.</p>