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Should women see a relationship between patriarchal oppression and the destruction of Nature in the name of profit and progress? How can they counter the violence inherent in these processes? Should they look to a link between the women's movement and other social movements? The authors offer an analysis of such issues from a unique North-South perspective. They critique prevailing economic theories, conventional concepts of women's emancipation, the myth of 'catching up' development, the philosophical foundations of modern science and technology, and the omission of ethics when discussing so many questions including advances in reproductive technology. In constructing their own ecofeminist epistemology and methodology, they look at movements advocating consumer liberation, subsistence production and sustainability , and argue for an acceptance of limits and reciprocity and the endless commoditification of needs.-- From publisher's description

This anthology situates the cultural and literary theories of ecofeminism in an interdisciplinary and global dialogue. It brings ecofeminism into conversation with several areas of inquiry, including ecocriticism, postcolonialism, geography, environmental law, religion, geoengineering, systems thinking, family therapy, and environmental justice

The development of feminist theology in Latin America -- Sources of ecofeminism -- Ecofeminism's roots in other feminist movements -- Ecofeminist theology -- Charting the change : reflections of Latin American women -- Challenges for the future

A review essay on books by: Rosi Braidotti, Ewa Charkiewicz, Sabine Hausler, & Saskia Wieringa, Women, the Environment and Sustainable Development (London: Zed Press, 1994); Maria Mies & Vandana Shiva, Ecofeminism (London: Zed Books, 1993); Val Plumwood, Feminism and the Mastery of Nature (London: Routledge, 1993); Joni Seager, Earth Follies: Feminism, Politics and the Environment (London: Earthscan, 1993); & Vandana Shiva (Ed), Close to Home: Women Reconnect Ecology, Health and Development Worldwide (Philadelphia: New Society Publishers, 1994 [see listings in IRPS No. 79]). Reflections on ecofeminism are offered in the course of reviewing these books, which share as a starting point the critique of Western culture. Seager examines the institutions of Western domination -- business, government, the military -- while critically exploring the role of the ecological establishment in the West's environmental problems. Seager's book offers excellent analyses of green consumerism & the intrusion of Western capitalist patriarchy into the green movements & green issues. Plumwood offers a critique of Western traditions of thought, arguing that platonic & Cartesian forms of dualism have been the key mechanism of Western patriarchal domination. Mies & Shiva offer a critique of maldevelopment & colonization, examine the politics of consumption, & address criticisms of Western science & technology; other issues covered include the importance of women's grass-roots struggles & women as guardians of biodiversity. Shiva examines the interconnections among women, health, & the environment over a range of topics, including the ecological & political consequences of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka & ecological economics. Braidotti et al offer a useful & well-theorized overview of the gender & development debate. W. Howard

Why is ecofeminism still needed to address the environmental emergencies and challenges of our times? Ecofeminism has a chequered history in terms of its popularity and its perceived value in conceptualizing the relationship between gender and nature as well as feeding forms of activism that aim to confront the environmental challenges of the moment. This book provides a much-needed comprehensive overview of the relevance and value of using eco-feminist theories. It gives a broad coverage of traditional and emerging eco-feminist theories and explores, across a range of chapters, their various contributions and uniquely spans various strands of ecofeminist thinking. The origins of influential eco-feminist theories are discussed including key themes and some of its leading figures (contributors include Erika Cudworth, Greta Gaard, Trish Glazebrook and Niamh Moore), and outlines its influence on how scholars might come to a more generative understanding of the natural environment. The book examines eco-feminism's potential contribution for advancing current discussions and research on the relationships between the humans and more than humans that share our world. This timely volume makes a distinctive scholarly contribution and is a valuable resources for students and academics in the fields of environmentalism, political ecology, sustainability and nature resource management.