The Theory of Ecofeminism

The theory of ecofeminism is one of the theories initiated by a group of women activists because of the real conditions they face, namely the similarity of pressures faced by nature and women, namely unfair treatment. This brings them to a perspective that categorizes humans into rich-poor, good-bad, strong-weak, and so on.

This theory was first introduced by the French feminist, Francoise d'eaubonne in 1974 in his book Le Feminism ou La Mort who tried to break away from the dualistic logic that focused on saving the planet Earth.

Departing from here, the ecofeminism movement began to gain a place. Then in 1975 this movement was developed by Ynestra King at the Social Institute with specifications on ecological and environmental problems. Then over time, in 1980 this movement focused on the relationship between women and the earth "women and life on earth".

In addition, in Indonesia, this theory was developed by Ratna Megawangi who admits that the concept of ecofeminism is a noble idea. This is because it is in accordance with the solutions that have been introduced by the supporters of the theory of eco philosophy and deep ecology which view that humans are an integral part of nature.

Theoretically, the theory of ecofeminism departs from the environmentalist movement in the West because it finds a lot of damage to human ecosystems and focuses on nature (ecology). Because women are always associated with nature, symbolically and conceptually there is a very close relationship with feminist and ecological issues. 

 

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Ecofeminism is a form of new theory or idea that is raised by movements that feel that there is injustice in the treatment of women and nature. This theory was born because it was felt that previous feminist theories had not touched the welfare of women and nature.

This can be seen through modern human civilization today which tends to dominate, dominate, exploit nature, increase pollution, crime, and decrease solidarity. In addition, the reduced nature of modern humans on feminine qualities such as love, care, nurturing, and care for nature and the environment.

This new theory is called ecofeminism which bases its mindset on nature. There is a common goal between the ecological and feminist movements, namely that both of them want to build a view of the world in which the practice is not based on domination.

As stated by Rosemary Radford Ruether, there is a very close relationship between the pattern of domination of nature and women, namely that both of them receive unfair treatment. The current ecological breakdown is not only caused by anthropocentric practices and views, but also androphocentric views. So the link between ecology and feminism is historical and causal.

The basic conceptions of the domination of natural twins and women are dualism and value hierarchy. So the aim of ecological ethics and feminism is to dismantle this dualism and take into account oppressive patriarchal cultural frameworks such as racism, class systems, patterns of domination, and sexism.