Social Identities

Ecofeminism and Social Identity: Intersections of Gender, Ecology, and Marginalization

Ecofeminism critically examines the interconnected oppressions of women and nature, asserting that the exploitation of the environment and the subjugation of marginalized groups are mutually reinforcing (Kheel, 2008). This perspective challenges traditional dualisms that separate humans from nature and men from women, advocating for an integrated approach to social and environmental issues.​

Ariel Salleh's concept of "embodied materialism" emphasizes the role of reproductive labor and the exploitation of women's bodies in sustaining capitalist patriarchal systems (Salleh, 1997/2017). By recognizing the material realities of women's labor and their relationship to ecological processes, Salleh provides a critical lens for understanding how environmental degradation disproportionately affects women and other marginalized groups.​

• How do environmental hazards disproportionately affect communities of color, and what roles do ecofeminist movements play in addressing these injustices?​
• In what ways do Indigenous ecological practices contribute to sustainable environmental management, and how can decolonial ecofeminism amplify these contributions?​
• How do overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, class) influence individual and collective experiences within environmental justice initiatives?​
• What insights do ecofeminist perspectives offer regarding the impacts of extractive industries on marginalized communities and ecosystems?​
• How does the undervaluation of reproductive and care labor manifest in environmental policies, and what are the implications for ecofeminist theory and practice?​
• In what ways does climate change disproportionately affect marginalized groups, and how can ecofeminist strategies promote equitable climate resilience?​
• How can acknowledging diverse cultural perspectives enhance inclusivity and effectiveness in environmental decision-making processes?​
• What are the implications of urban environmental policies on women and marginalized communities, particularly concerning issues like green gentrification?​
• How can ecofeminist theories inform the creation of equitable and sustainable environmental policies?​
• How do portrayals of ecofeminist activism in media influence public perception and policy development?​

By addressing these questions, this special issue aims to deepen our understanding of the complex relationships between environmental and social injustices, providing valuable insights into pathways toward a more equitable and sustainable world.​

References:

Salleh, A. (1997/2017). Ecofeminism as politics: Nature, Marx, and the postmodern. Zed Books.

Kheel, M. (2008). Nature ethics: An ecofeminist perspective. Rowman & Littlefield.