Environmental Feminism: Intersections of Gender, Nature, and Justice – An In-Depth Academic Analysis

• Dr. Bipasha Joardar

  Rishi Bankim Chandra College for Women

  Author

Environmental feminism, or ecofeminism, is a multifaceted and interdisciplinary framework that critically examines the profound and often overlooked connections between the domination of women and the exploitation of the natural world. This extensive academic article undertakes a comprehensive exploration of ecofeminism, tracing its intellectual genesis in the late 20th century and meticulously dissecting its diverse theoretical manifestations, including liberal, cultural, socialist, and spiritual ecofeminism, as well as more contemporary intersectional and post-structuralist approaches. It meticulously analyses the foundational arguments positing that patriarchal ideologies, characterized by hierarchical dualisms and instrumental rationality, underpin both gender oppression and ecological degradation. The article critically engages with the significant scholarly debates surrounding ecofeminism, particularly the persistent critique of essentialism and the subsequent imperative for intersectional analysis to account for the heterogeneous experiences of women across various axes of identity, such as race, class, sexuality, and geographical location. Furthermore, it illuminates the practical implications of ecofeminist thought, showcasing its transformative role in environmental activism, policy advocacy, and the pursuit of holistic social and ecological justice movements globally. By synthesizing historical context, theoretical nuances, and practical applications, this article underscores the enduring relevance and critical urgency of environmental feminism in addressing the intertwined crises of social inequality and ecological collapse in the Anthropocene. 

1. Dr. Bipasha Joardar, Rishi Bankim Chandra College for Women

   Assistant Professor of the Department of Philosophy.

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