Soft science fiction developed as a separate subgenre in the 1960s in connection with the influx of New Wave writers with backgrounds more literary than scientific.

"Soft" science fiction by definition is an implied counterpoint to hard science fiction. It is often characterized as fiction of the "left," without gender bias. Generally soft science fiction does not present violence as either an ethical standard or a necessity of plot.

Soft science fiction often features the so-called "soft" or social sciences such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Also often included in this category are academic fields such as ecology, economics, gender studies, and linguistics.

Social science fiction is a type of soft science fiction that explores an entire alien civilization and culture.

Soft science fiction is perceived to deal more with feelings than with rational thought.

Prominent authors associated with the New Wave and with soft science fiction include:

• Samuel R. Delany
• Philip Josè Farmer
• Ursula K. Le Guin
• Roger Zelazny

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