Ecofeminism is a political and intellectual act that involves both feminism and environmentalism that connects the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women. Ecofeminism explores the relationship between the loss of hope for the environment and the oppression of women. In the text it says “Oppression of the natural world and of women by patriarchal power structures must be examined together or neither can be confronted fully.”(Hobgood-Oster 1). This quote is important because it explains societal structures that influence both the natural world and women’s experiences.This perspective shows the interconnectedness of all forms of life and how many social inequalities connect with environmental issues, which can be referred to as the “web” of life. Ecofeminism argues that women andnature come from similar values that reflect a worldview that devalues the feminine and the natural. One of the main things of ecofeminism is its relationship to intersectionality. Intersectionality is a term that shows us viewers how different forms of discrimination like race, gender, class, and sexuality connect with one another. In the text it says “ In the nineteenth century, women of color were associated with nature, uncontrolled passion, and promiscuity…Here within the privileged space of the white male gaze is a layered black subject who is at once socially inferior to a naked prostitute, for whom she is a servant, and yet a sexual signifier” (Adams p16) The quote shows what women of color went through in the nineteenth century, women of color were looked at differently than white women. While white women were viewed as gold, women of color faced stereotypes of being overly sexualized which dehumanized them and restricted their social status. This shows the historical views on women of color that still influences their experiences and lives now while also reflecting on the complexities they face in society. In order for us viewers to fully understand and address ecological problems it is important to look into how social injustices are interconnected. For example, women and marginalized groups often face a big part of environmental destruction because these communities are mainly affected by climate change or pollution. Womenin developing countries are disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation, affecting their health, livelihoods, and access to resources. In the text it says “ they should not be made a vehicle of traffic for the exploitation of others. Their monopolization by any country, nation or group of persons would be unjust. The neglect of this simple principle is the cause of the destitution that we witness today not only in this unhappy land but in other parts of the world too.”(Navdanya 2019) This is important because it shows the importance of not allowing resources or opportunities to be exploited by a specific group at the cost of others lives. From an ecological perspective the exploitation of resources impacts the environment – when countries and businesses prioritize profit instead of sustainable practices they help damage the environment and cause deforestation, pollution, and the use of natural resources. This destruction can lead to loss of biodiversity, climate change, and effects on health and communities.
Carol J. Adams (2010) “The Politics of Carol J. Adams.” Antennae, Autumn, pp. 12-24.
Hobgood-Oster, Laura. (2010) “Ecofeminism: Historic and International Evolution.” The Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature edited by Bron Taylor; Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas.
Our vision. Navdanya. (n.a.). https://www.navdanya.org/component/content/article?id=620