Ynestra King
533 W. 112 Street, Apt. 4B
New York NY 10025
U.S.A.
I would like to do a presentation on ecofeminist theory and practice, developing the three key concepts in ecofeminist critical social theory. I will consider dualism, domination and hierarchy and the relationship between the degradation of women and nature in the western tradition. My discussion of dualism will involve a consideration of the psychological and philosophical splits in the person, and between human beings and nature and the internalization of these oppositions as especially exemplified by the dualisms of male/female, mind/body and nature/culture. Next, my discussion of domination will consider the practice of domination of nature as a basis for industrialization, capitalism and ecological devastation, and finally I will present an explanation of the role of hierarchical political and economic structures in the oppression of persons and the destruction of the environment.
Ecofeminism advocates a people, culture and place specific strategy of "nature friendly" and "woman respectful" political, social, and economic development. I will develop the argument that the primary economic/systemic/epistemological splits are now best understood as embodied in the divisions between north and south and the ownership of not only capital, but nature, and compel us to develop complimentary, actively coordinated political understandings and strategies for women in the north and south.
Drawing on these three basic tenets of ecofeminist theory, I will move on to ecofeminist "vision" and practice, considering why "nature friendly" and "woman respectful" political transformation require one another. I will then argue that such political transformation requires the empowerment of women, and woman-centered strategies, in which women speak for themselves, directly, developing democratic, political culture and community as well as effecting structural change.
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