Children of the Mind and the Concept of Edge and Center Nations

Children of the Mind and the Concept of Edge and Center Nations

Steven Foertsch

Baylor University

Abstract

Orson Scott Card and his Ender Series have had a profound impact on the genre of contemporary science fiction, meriting an academic analysis of some of his more theoretical ideas. I have chosen to analyze his concept of “Center” and “Edge” nations found in Xenocide and Children of the Mind through the lens of international relations, sociological, and political theory, in order to bring nuance to an underdeveloped theory that many non-academics may be familiar with. Ultimately, we must conclude that Card’s concept of “Center” and “Edge” nations is too stagnant and does not account for social and hegemonic change, which influences the justifications of why these “nations” may be considered “Center” in the first place.

Keywords

Orson Scott Card; Children of the Mind; Ender’s Game; Edge and Center Nations; Isomorphism; Centripetal and Centrifugal; Hegemony; Nationhood.

About the Author

Steven Foertsch is a sociologist specializing in the subjective intersection between politics and belief.  He received a master’s degree focusing on political sociology at the New School for Social Research in NYC, and a master’s degree from Baylor University studying the sociology of religion.  He is currently a doctoral student at Baylor University in the Department of Sociology. His interests range from social and political philosophy to religious pluralism.   

Read more about Steven Foertsch’s publications here: https://www.baylor.edu/sociology/index.php?id=970483 

Published: 2022 – 06 – 15