Eco Feminism

You may be familiar with mainstream feminist theory. However, there are a number of exciting feminist sub-branches just waiting to be explored. Ecofeminism is a theory that helps us to make links and think critically about gender relations and the environment. With the help of this article, you will have a chance to apply many familiar key terms such aspatriarchyorgender roles.

Ecofeminism is an ever increasingly significant theory to consider, as we collectively as a world face the effects of the climate crisis. Dive in to understand the basic principles of this theory, as well as how these can be applied to the world around us.

Ecofeminism:定义

In its simplest form, ecofeminism is a branch of feminism concerned with critically analysing and understanding the relationship between gender and the environment.

Fig. 1 - Symbol of Eco feminism

Key features of Ecofeminism

的一个关键问题ecofeminism examining and critically analysing the connection between gender and nature.

While women are often the centre of ecofeminist discussion, this is not to say that ecofeminism is a political ideology exclusively for women. It is important to note that the overall health of our environment is an issue that affects us all regardless of our gender or sexual identity. However, ecofeminism highlights that owing to the existence of oppressivepatriarchal structures, the effects of environmental issues are more likely to have a detrimental impact on women and gender variant individuals. Like other branches of feminism, ecofeminists seekequalitybetween all genders in society.

Ecofeminists highlight these structural imbalances, in an attempt to focus action to create more equitable societies. This would mean ensuring individuals of all genders are able to live in safe environments with access to vital natural resources such as water, food, and energy supplies.

What are the origins of Ecofeminism?

Ecofeminism is a relatively modern movement and the term itself was devised in 1974 by French feministFrançoise d’Eaubonne. Ecofeminism came about following a series of workshops and conferences held in the United States in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The conferences were largely attended by professionals and academics.

会议的最初目的是examine the ways in which environmentalism and feminism could be merged to encourage respect for the needs of all genders and the natural world.

During the meetings, it was argued that the specific oppression of women and nature comes from associating women with nature. Ecofeminists at that time argued that women and nature were often depicted as irrational and chaotic, while men were frequently characterised as rational and controlled.

Ecofeminists assert that this understanding has resulted in a hierarchical structure that gives men power and permits the exploitation of women and nature. For ecofeminists, this association of women with nature is why both are exploited.

Fig. 2 - Françoise d’Eaubonne

Examples of Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism has evolved over the years. Thus, it is best to view its evolution chronologically.

Early work

Much of the early work done on ecofeminism consisted of historical documentation - specifically looking at the historical connections that exist between women and the environment and then examining ways to undo those connections. TheologianRosemary Ruether, a founder of the ecofeminism concept, insisted that all women must first recognise and then work to end the domination of nature if women want to move towards establishing their own freedom.

The late 1980s

By the late 1980s, ecofeminism had moved away from its academic foundation and evolved into a more mainstream movement. Feminist theoristYnestra Kingis widely believed to have contributed to this shift.

One of King's most influential arguments asked all Americans to consider how their belief systems allowed for theexploitative use of the environment. Additionally, King asked her audiences to consider how the use of the environment has detrimental impacts, further increasing the oppression of women. In doing so, King introduced ecofeminist theory into the consideration of people's daily lives.

Sub-branches of Ecofeminism

There are several sub-branches of eco-feminism. These include:

1. Materialist Ecofeminism
2. Spiritual Ecofeminism
3. Vegetarian Ecofeminism

Materialist Ecofeminism

This sub-branch of Ecofeminism has close links to Marxist Feminism. Materialist Ecofeminists acknowledge the detrimental impact of capitalist patriarchal structures directly on marginalised genders and on the environment. This sub-branch focuses on matters such as the ownership and extraction of raw materials, land, and energy resources from the environment and how this creates unequal societies.

Spiritual Ecofeminism

Spiritual ecofeminists connect the Christian belief that God gave humans dominion over the earth with the attack on nature.

Vegetarian ecofeminism

As you may have guessed, vegetarian ecofeminists are stronglyagainst humans having power over animals. This refers to the exploitative use of animals for food or materials.

Despite all being different branches, they all share a similarity: at their core, they believe that a patriarchal society has led to a disconnect between nature and culture, which has negatively affected marginalised groups as well as nature itself.

The importance of Ecofeminism

There are three main reasons why ecofeminism is important in today's society.

1. Helping the environment.

It brings the environment to the forefront of discussions surrounding feminism. This is important because of the continuing environmental degradation happening to the planet.

2. Connecting social and environmental issues.

Bringing together social and environmental issues is at the core of ecofeminism. This is important as it provides a new and unique perspective in looking at how the problems surrounding social and environmental issues are in fact connected.

3. Core aim ofequality.

Finally, it is important to remember that ecofeminism is a type of feminism. At its core, the aim of ecofeminism isequalityin society and eliminating thepatriarchy. As such, when viewing ecofeminism in the context of its original aims it is important because any contribution toequalityin society can trigger positive change.

Critique of Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism has been critiqued by women and academics alike. Below are some of the most common arguments against ecofeminism.

Negative impact on the environment and women in less developed countries

Ecofeminism has been critiqued because of the failure of women in developed countries to recognise the ways in which their own lifestyles lead to the further degradation of those (often women) in less-developed countries and of the environment as a whole.

One example is the way in which ‘fast fashion’ involves sweatshops in developing countries. These factories produce cheap clothes that those in developed countries can buy. As a result, those in less developed countries have accused some ecofeminists of promoting the exploitation of women by partaking in the fast fashion industry.

Cultural appropriation

Some critics have also argued that the advancement of ecofeminism has led to the marginalisation and appropriation of indigenous cultures.¹Thus, modern ecofeminism must acknowledge this. One solution to this problem

is ensuring that ecofeminism highlights the voices and activism of ecofeminists around the globe. This would require minority cultures to be represented in mainstream discussion related to ecofeminism, plus the sharing of resources to ensure these groups are able to successfully establish their own form of ecofeminism that takes into consideration local cultures.

It is particularly important to ensure an intersectional ecofeminist approach is applied, which acknowledges the additional barriers faced by marginalised genders due to factors such as race, socio-economic status, and sexuality.

Reinforces patriarchal ideologies

Another critique levelled at ecofeminism targets the ecofeminist assertion that women are biologically closer to nature. Critics believe this only strengthens the patriarchal ideology of domination, arguing that it is hypocritical and limits the efficiency of ecofeminism.

Cons of ecofeminism

In addition to the critiques of ecofeminism, there are others who argue that ecofeminism simply does more harm than good. One of the strongest arguments against ecofeminism comes from the essentialism point of view. Essentialism is the trend to portray women in ways that might be inaccurate. For example, by identifying women as the gender that should care more about the environment.

While ecofeminism goes further than this portrayal, it can be argued that any explanation of ecofeminism always starts with an analysis of how women are more connected to nature and the environment than men are. Critics argue that by avoiding these assumptions about women and nature, ecofeminism could be a stronger theory.

Books on ecofeminism

Here are five books you can read to increase your knowledge on ecofeminism:

1. Ecofeminismby Maria Mies and Vandana Shiva (1993). This text explores the connections between patriarchal society and environmental destruction.

2. Ecofeminist Philosophy: A Western Perspective on What It Is and Why It Mattersby Karen J. Warren (2000). This book is a rationalisation of the arguments for ecofeminism written by an environmental feminist.

3. Feminism and the Mastery of Natureby Val Plumwood (1993). This book incorporates philosophy and how it links to environmentalism and feminism.

4. Longing for Running Water: Ecofeminism and Liberationby Ivone Gebara (1999). This text looks at why ecofeminism has come about.

5. Refugeby Terry Tempest Williams (1992). This takes a different writing approach as it is more of a memoir and contains personal experiences.