Principles of Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism is a philosophical principle linking deep ecology and feminist ideals. Although many mainstream environmentalists have never heard of ecofeminism, its core principles are an important component of a sustainable worldview. The founding philosophy of ecofeminism offers to salvage not only women's rights, but also the overall health of our planet.

The principles of ecofeminism can be confusing, and even seemingly nonsensical, to people who are unfamiliar with deep ecology. Here are some of the core principles associated with ecofeminism.

1. Resisting the equation of women and nature. Ecofeminists contend that, since the advent of modern agriculture, women have historically been viewed as more earthy or natural than men. Women are associated with flowers, animals, forests and oceans, while men are associated with machines, factories and other icons of Western technology.

Because of this assumed connection, women are oppressed in a manner similar to nature. Just as forests are regarded as a resource to be exploited, Western women have historically been commodified for as labor "animals" and as a fertile ground for childbearing. We reflect this in our cultural language when we refer to "raping" land, "virgin" forests, and the use of the term "Mother Nature."

Ecofeminism challenges the notion that women are innately closer to nature than their male peers. In defending the rights of women, it also defends the inherent value of the natural world.

2. Resisting the equation of women and animals. Many of the most sexist labels placed on women involve comparing them to animals. Sexual women are referred to as vixens, bitches, cougars, catty, cows and bunnies. This, according to ecofeminism, reflects the pervasive attitude that women are a form of animal and ultimately inferior to men because of this.

Ecofeminism challenges both the notion that women are more animallike than men, as well as the notion that animals are inherently less valuable. It also challenges the sex-specific oppression of laying hens and dairy cattle, and the use of words like "wild" and "untame" to describe feminine behaviors.

Vegetarianism, veganism and animal rights activism are closely tied to the principles of ecofeminism, because the exploitation of women and animals are closely linked. The majority of ecofeminists believe that animal abuse is directly tied to patriarchy.

3. Feminist pollitical ecology. A primary principle of ecofeminism, feminist political ecology calls for an end to the cultural structures responsible for both ecological destruction and patriarchy. It calls for a post-structuralist, potentially anarchist political scene dominated by deep ecology and matrifocal principles.

Feminist political ecology includes an egaliatrian view of both the environment and women, which, according to ecofeminists, would also eliminate racism, speciesism, animal abuse and other perceived evils tied to partiarchy. An ecofeminist political landscape would include a holistic, egalitarian and nurturing concern for all living things, including plants, animals, children, men and those who are impoverished.

Despite its alternative roots, ecofeminism presents a refreshingly novel alternative to conventional views of gender politics and environmental worldviews.