Mythological projections and ecofeminist discourse: Revisiting Maria Mies’s and Vandana Shiva’s Ecofeminism
Hauptsächlicher Artikelinhalt
Abstract
The interaction of nature and man’s imaginative projections has culminated in nature being given manlike appearance and characteristics marking an evolution of mythopoeic tradition. As a fundamental life supporting tool, myths and mythology projected nature as sacred and integral to cosmic order while projections like nature deities, fertility goddesses, and guardian gods symbolizing creation and destruction have created binaries. Ingrained in mythical narratives, these have been are normalized over generations, shape cultural traditions and justify control of women and nature. Within this frame and drawing from Maria Mies’s and Vandana Shiva’s Ecofeminism, the study explores the intersection of mythological projection in ecofeminist discourse, examining how re-imagining myths can foster environmental consciousness and address questions: How do myths subjugate nature and women? How do they survive and/or change over time? What is the scope of mythological projection in the present state of ecofeminist discourse? Can myths de(re)construct present state capitalist domination and ecofeminist empowerment?
Keywords: mythology, ecofeminism, nature, gender, binaries
Bibliographie: Singh, Priyanka: Mythological projections and ecofeminist discourse: Revisiting Maria Mies’s and Vandana Shiva’s Ecofeminism, GENDER – Zeitschrift für Geschlecht, Kultur und Gesellschaft, 2-2025, S. 71-85.
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