Steampunk: Mythopoesis in a Clockwork Dream

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the psychological experience of participants in the popular culture of Steampunk. Depth psychology, more specifically the work of C. G. Jung, provided the lens through which these experiences were examined. The intent was to explore how mythopoesis, or the story-making function of the psyche, can manifest through creative participation in an intentional community. Four questions guided the study: What purpose does participation in Steampunk serve in the lives of participants? How does participation affect personal story creation? How does this new story affect their day to day world? And how might these stories point toward something greater in the personal and/or collective unconscious? Participants were interviewed to see what role Steampunk plays in their lives and how their lived experience changed as a result. The interviews were presented using the methodology of portraiture, which aims to combine a social science exploration with creative presentation to enter and share the reported experience of participants. Additionally, this study explored the archetypal influences that guide, and are reflected in, the popular culture of Steampunk. The study also explores how Steampunk can function as a culture. This latter aspect used the theoretical framework devised by Samuel Kimbles’ research to contextualize the experiences of Steampunk as a form of culture participation. Throughout the interview process participants reported that their participation allows them to explore unlived aspects of their psyche and find connection to others.