Authors: Prof.(Dr.) Mamta Sagar
Abstract: Ecofeminism offers a critical sociological framework for understanding the inter-relationship between women, nature, and power structures within patriarchal and capitalist societies. Rooted in feminist theory and environmental sociology, ecofeminism argues that the domination of women and the exploitation of nature arise from the same logic of control, hierarchy, and profit. This perspective highlights how gendered power relations intersect with economic, political, and cultural systems to marginalise both women and ecological resources, particularly in the Global South. From a sociological standpoint, ecofeminism examines how social institutions such as the family, state, market, and religion reinforce unequal power structures that legitimise environmental degradation and gender oppression. Women’s traditional roles in agriculture, water collection, or security, and caregiving place them in close interaction with nature, making them disproportionately affected by ecological crisis such as deforestation, climate change, and resource depletion. At the same time, their experiential knowledge positions them as key agents of environmental sustainability and resistance. The abstract also engages with intersectionality to show her class, caste, race, and ethnicity shape women’s ecological experiences. In the Indian context, movements like Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan, and tribal environmental science struggles illustrate ecofeminism in practice, where women challenge dominant development models and assert alternative, community – centred approaches to nature. Overall, ecofeminism not only critiques existing power structures but also envisions a transformative social order based on equality, care, and ecological justice. By linking gender justice with environmental sustainability, ecofeminism provides a holistic sociological lens to address contemporary social – environmental crises.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19247569
