Eco-Feminism Flashcards
(9 cards)
Carolyn Merchant
Eco-historian and author of The Death of Nature; argued that the rise of capitalism and modern science during the Renaissance led to the commodification of nature and the devaluation of women
The Death of Nature
A foundational ecofeminist text by Carolyn Merchant (1980) that connects the domination of nature with the historical oppression of women, especially during the shift from the Middle Ages to the modern era
Liberal Feminism
A branch of feminism that seeks equality for women within the existing political and economic systems (e.g., more women in leadership), without radically challenging capitalism or government structures
Socialist Feminism
A feminist approach that views capitalism as a key source of women’s oppression and advocates for both economic and gender justice
Radical Feminism
A feminist perspective that sees patriarchy and systemic inequality as deeply rooted in society; calls for a complete transformation of cultural and political systems. Ecofeminism is a form of radical feminism
Matricentric
Describes cultures centered around women, especially mothers; emphasized harmony with nature, equality, group ownership, cyclical time, and horizontal power structures
Venus of Willendorf
An ancient fertility figure symbolizing Mother Earth and matricentric culture; used by ecofeminists as a symbol of the sacred feminine and pre-patriarchal societies
Patriarchy
A system of society or government in which men hold power and women are largely excluded; seen by ecofeminists as the root of both gender oppression and environmental degradation
Characteristics of a Matricentric and Patriarchal Culture
Matricentric: Nature is sacred and female; egalitarian; barter economies; horizontal structures; cyclical time; guided by custom
Patriarchal: Nature is a resource; hierarchical; profit-driven; centralized authority; bivalent worldviews; governed by law and lineage through the father
