LITERARY STRUGGLE IN THE ERA OF ECO-FEMINISM: A STUDY ON WOMEN AND NATURE WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF VAL PLUMWOOD AND SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR

Abstract

Ecofeminism suggests that women have a very close relationship with the Nature than the Men. This connection leads to a greater sense of care and nurturing towards the environment among women. Many women, especially those in the academic fields of biological sciences have distanced themselves from ecofeminism, as they fear that discussions about Goddesses and life-forces could endanger their hard-earned yet fragile professional reputations. The contribution of ecofeminism to feminist environmentalism are huge and ecofeminism remains a significant component of the feminist environmental discourse. Ecofeminists argue that a male-centric culture thrives on sexism, racism, class exploitation and environmental degradation. Worldwide, ecofeminists protest against the exploitation of both women and the natural world. Ecofeminism urges both women and men to reimagine the world in non-hierarchical terms. In this regard, the feminist and environmental movements are seen as collaborative, based on the idea that they advocate for egalitarian and non-hierarchical systems. The liberation of women and the natural environment is viewed as deeply interconnected. Historically, there is substantial evidence of women’s subordinate status. Ecofeminists argue that a more effective ethical approach to nature would involve moving away from placing rights at the forefront. Instead, emphasizing less separate moral concepts like respect, sympathy, care, compassion, gratitude, friendship and responsibility. The paper reveals ecofeminism described in various ways: as a political ideology, a spiritual affirmation for women, a source of inspiration for activism, a revival of womanist earth wisdom, a feminist rebellion within radical environmentalism and a re-evaluation of women’s connections to place and ecology. The term ecofeminism often promote strong responses that leads to quick division into “for” or “against” groups. The umbrella term “Ecofeminism” harnesses the energy from the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, redirecting it towards analyzing and dismantling the methods used to oppress both human and non-human entities under patriarchal influence and subsequently advocating for change.