Ecofeminism and the Ethics of Care: Rethinking Gender, Nature, and Sustainability

Ecofeminism emerges at the intersection of feminist theory and ecological thought, arguing that the exploitation of women and the degradation of nature are rooted in the same patriarchal structures of domination. This paper explores ecofeminism as both a theoretical framework and a praxis that challenges hierarchical dualisms—man/woman, culture/nature, rational/emotional—that have historically justified the subjugation of both women and the environment. Drawing on the insights of thinkers such as Vandana Shiva, Maria Mies, and Carolyn Merchant, the study examines how ecofeminist perspectives illuminate the interconnectedness of social and ecological justice. It also investigates cultural and literary representations where the female body and the natural world become symbolic sites of resistance against capitalist and patriarchal exploitation. The paper argues that ecofeminism’s ethic of care offers an alternative model of sustainability—one grounded not in domination but in reciprocity, empathy, and responsibility. Ultimately, ecofeminism is presented not merely as a critique but as a transformative philosophy capable of reshaping contemporary debates on climate change, resource equity, and gender justice.