ECOFEMINISM REVISITED: Introduction to the Discourse

Most strands of feminism uphold, in varying degrees, the modernist dichotomy between nature and culture. Simone de Beauvoir, in her book Second Sex, points out that this distinction equates women with nature (characterized by their biological composition) and men with culture (characterized by their ‘risk-taking’ behaviour). Liberal and Marxist feminists argue that the traditional notion of a connection between women and nature is a relic of patriarchy—an instrument of oppression—which should be allowed to wither away. For them, ecofeminism smacks of essentialism (biological determinism).

Despite such criticism, one needs to acknowledge the fact that exploring ecofeminist arguments rising from a material base (social, historical, dialectical) creates support in favour of alternative development models as opposed to market-oriented capitalist ones. Poor women often find a potential for liberation within such models. It also provides a better understanding of movements like the Narmada Bachao Andolan, opposition to SEZ etc. which strongly emphasise on women in the third world, their concern for food security and as such their vested interest in the preservation of ecological bases for the survival of their communities. Concepts like ‘decentralised communities’, ‘subsistence production’ etc. need to be understood against a theoretical background which justifies the need to start thinking about alternative development models.

The book aims at an introduction to the discourse of ecofeminism as a perspective from which to understand the world around us, where women’s concerns of reproduction and subsistence are placed at the centre stage of the human activities.

Chhaya Datar was formerly professor at the Centre for Women’s Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Although academic by profession, her real passion is working with women at the grass roots level in rural areas. Her focus is on creating women’s rights over land and water, for livelihood assurance.

Her career profile spans from being a housewife to embarking on feminist activism and then continuing to be a fervent promoter of women’s studies in Indian universities. Grounding for her feminist activism was paved when she became one of the founding members for ‘Forum Against Rape’ and ‘Stree Mukti Sanghatana’. Her interest in the rural development arose with her deep awareness of environmental destruction and need to follow ecological principles while pursuing development agenda.