Ecofeminism: Adam and Adama

In 1962, Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, came out providing inspiration to environmental studies that have followed in its footsteps. Carson presented the environmental devastation caused by chemical pesticides, in particular that of DDT. In 1979, E.J. Lovelock publishes Gaia, and emphasized the complexity of human pollution of planet earth. It was followed by Carolyn Merchant's Death of Nature (1980), comparing humans’ attitudes towards Earth to men’s attitudes towards women. The abuse and exploitation of the environment stems from a capitalist and utilitarian attitude, disrespectful and cruel to all living creatures. In fact, our era, as Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer ( 2000) define it, brings about complete destruction of organic forms of life. They coin the term anthropocene to define current geological period. In this seminar we will examine different types of research that focus on the effects of human and industrial activities. Our discussion will center around the notion that women who are perceived to be life-giving, like earth, supply the material and goods for human pursuits and occupation