Proposal with Annotated Bibliography.
“Indian Women at the Forefront: Ecofeminist Critique and Environmental Action”
Ecofeminism gained global prominence in the 1970s-1980s and was subsequently adopted by Indian feminists, who critiqued its essentialist assumptions and failure to address social and economic inequalities (Parameswaran, 2022). Preceding ecofeminism, Indian women have a rich history of environmental activism, notably through the Chipko movement dating back three centuries (Shiva, 1988). Indian women have also played a pivotal role in exploring the intricate connections between feminist, environmental and religious dimensions within such movements by challenging colonialism, patriarchy, and local material realities (Shiva, 1989; Agarwal, 1998; Rao, 2012; Misra, 2007). Additionally, Indian scholars have contributed alternative holistic perspectives within environmental movements, including the queering of the woman-earth bodies within Hinduism (Naidu 2011), feminist environmentalism (Agarwal), the embodiment of Prakriti (Shiva 1989) and Hindu environmental ethics (Misra 2007). These discussions exemplify Indian women’s dual role as critical agents of change and hope within environmental movements. This paper aims to further explore and substantiate this thesis.
Annotated Bibliography:
Gowri Parameswaran. “A History of Ecofeminist-Socialist Resistance to Eco-Crisis in India.” Journal of International Women’s Studies 24, no. 2 (2022): 4.
This source provides valuable insights into the historical context and evolution of ecofeminist-socialist resistance movements in India, which is essential for understanding the intersectional dynamics of gender, socialism, and environmental activism within the Indian context.
Agarwal, Bina. “The Gender and Environment Debate: Lessons from India.” Feminist Studies 18, no. 1 (1992): 119–58. https://doi.org/10.2307/3178217.
This source outlines the gender and environment debate in India, highlighting the intricate gender dynamics crucial for comprehending environmental movements and policy formulation in the region, as well as the contribution of a feminist environmentalism approach.
Nhanenge, Jytte. Ecofeminism: Towards Integrating the Concerns of Women, Poor People, and Nature Into Development. University Press of America, 2011.
This source offers extensive insights into ecofeminism’s potential for integrating the concerns of women, impoverished communities, and nature into development processes, which is vital for examining the intersectionality of gender, poverty, and environmental issues in sustainable development efforts. This author discusses different Indian authors’ contribution to ecofeminism.
Misra, Shalini. “Spirituality, Culture and the Politics of Environmentalism in India.” The Journal of Entrepreneurship 16, no. 2 (July 1, 2007): 131–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/097135570701600201.
This source provides insights into the intersection of spirituality, culture, and environmentalism in India, which is essential for understanding the cultural and religious dimensions shaping environmental movements and activism within the country and it explains the contribution of a Hindu environmental ethic to addressing sustainable development issues.
Naidu, Maheshvari. “Queering Women and Hinduism: Disembedding the Maternal Script from Woman and Earth.” Journal for the Study of Religion 24, no. 2 (2011): 33–46.
This work on queering women and Hinduism challenges traditional gender roles and religious narratives, enriching environmental activism by promoting inclusivity and social justice within Hindu culture.
