We’re all familiar with the concepts of environmentalism and feminism.
But there’s a branch of these two ideologies that actually combines them bothcalled ecofeminism.
What is ecofeminism?
Ecofeminism also calls attention to the fact that women are disproportionately affected by environmental issues.
Research shows women are also moregreatly affected by radiation than men.
There are several sub-branches of this movement, including vegetarian ecofeminism, spiritual ecofeminism, and materialist ecofeminism.
The origins of ecofeminism.
Feminism, in all its waves, has experienced evolutions and resurgences since it formally began in the mid-1800s.
The term “ecofeminism” wascoined by French feminist Francoise d’Eaubonnein 1974.
Over the years, many more have explored the sentiment behind ecofeminismand begun advocating for it.
It’s been nearly 50 years since ecofeminism was formally introduced.
We must replace our culture of domination with an ethic of care.
This approach focuses on human benevolence and acting in a way that prioritizes care for others.
All forms of oppression are unacceptableand interconnected.
Under ecofeminism, all forms of oppression are not acceptable.
For environmentalism to be all-encompassing, it has to consider all people.
Layer on climate change, and those existing vulnerabilities become heightened."
Hutner adds, “With all environmental injustice, ultimately, POC suffer the most.
Particularly women of color.”
And yet, theenvironmental movement grows increasingly white.
It’s not effective.
We need compassion, connection, creativity, collaboration," Wilkinson says.
Environmentalism can’t just be about protecting a white suburb from a new development, for example.
Understanding these connections is necessary for equitable change.
Feminism must consider ecological concerns and vice versa.
The people most affected by environmental destruction must be the ones to lead the movement.
And that looks like leadership that’s more characteristically feminine," Wilkinson says.
“When you are close to the problem, you’re necessarily close to the solutions.”
Criticisms of ecofeminism.
Some people believe equating women with nature reinforces the dichotomy of gender norms that feminism sought to avoid.
The bottom line.
Ecofeminism aims to both empower the disenfranchised and restore the health of nature on this planet.
