Patriarchy Role in Human-Nature Uncertain Bonds - Essay Example

To what extent does patriarchy play a role in creating and perpetuating human’s problematic relationship with nature? By Institution 22nd, January 2015 To what extent does patriarchy play a role in creating and perpetuating human’s problematic relationship with nature? Various issues have led to serious discussion around the world. Such discussions have reflected on the roles of men and women in nature or the environment. One of the significant issues that have generated huge debate is patriarchy. The debate has focused on domination of women by men for a long time. The domination, on the other hand, is reflected upon on influence it has on well-being and performance of nature (Crowley, 2014). Patriarchy is as a significant social system to have occurred in the world and society. The system has faced significant criticism. It has been seen as playing a role in reinforcing differences that exist in gender. As a result, it has made it difficult for existence of genderless role-less feminist society as it was in the Garden of Eden (Crowley, 2014). On the other hand, patriarch has been seen to have led in various progresses evident in the society. For example, it has been accredited with depart of human society from mud into civilization. However, various ills have been associated with the rise of this social system known as patriarchy. It has been shown to exert a significant influence in the society some of which is not good. For example, it has been noted to lead to domestic violence, loss of promotion, and affects women self-esteem (Crowley, 2014). As well, it has also been viewed as having an influence on human interaction with nature. Some of such influence has been detrimental to the well-being and conservation of nature. A reflection on the origin of patriarchy helps in explaining whether patriarchy has a role in creating and perpetuating humans problematic relationship with nature. The rise of patriarchy has been associated with the biological differences that exist between man and woman. The difference has been used to create different social roles. There is a diverse natural contrast between males and females (Crowley, 2014). Women have been biologically designed to nurture while men bodies have been designed the same way for physical exertion. The system has made it possible for men to put effort in caring for women and children while women exert themselves by nurturing their children and families (Crowley, 2014). On the other hand, feminist have had a different view on this system. They see the system as designed to dominate women through oppression. Hence, men dominance is seen as ways of exerting control rather than offering love to women and family. On the other hand, understanding rise of feminism is crucial in this discussion. Feminism has been shown to increase with the emergence of industrialization. In this era, focus shifted from use of hard labour to reliance on skilled labour. The transformation was significant as it created more opportunities for women. Moreover, women had to change their social roles in society (Crowley, 2014). The change was linked to capitalism. Hence, women rights were seen as a creation of capitalism (Crowley, 2014). In this scenario, women gained more independence and got more detached from their families and spouse. As a result, there was declining intimate association with various consequences. One such consequence has been seen as increased rivalry between sexes. Moreover, men perception to work has also changed. Majority of men lost the passion for work. The effect has been seen as most of the men drops out of work, are paid less as compared to women, and dismiss higher education. There is argument that patriarchy plays a significant role in human interaction. The significance has been seen through a reflection on love that exists between families. Children are as in dire need of love, attachment, and stability from their parents (Crowley, 2014). The argument is that there cannot be any adequate replacement of love gained from parents. As the author notes, real love can only be possible in a patriarchal society (Crowley, 2014). Therefore, depart from the notion held by a patriarchal society is said to lead to various challenges exhibited by children. Some of such challenges may include mental problems. Hence, the author offers an insight that for healthy and productive children to exit in society; the society must refocus on the lost values of patriarchy (Crowley, 2014). Ecofeminism has also been cited as having a strong link with human association with nature. In their perspective, they acknowledge that control of women and nature has a close association. They also note that conservation of the environment has a strong link to the effort of liberating women. Therefore, their primary focus is to free women from a bondage of society rather than gaining equality with men. As the ecofeminist seeks their liberation, they also do not underscore the roles traditionally have been associated with women. Such roles are listed as childbirth, nurturing, and other domestic chores (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). The patriarchal society has fortified control of women. In such a society, women are perceived as lesser being or rather inferior (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). In the same society, nature has been regarded as second-rate to culture, and human has been seen as separate and greater to the natural environment. Moreover, the society has labelled women as being closely associated with nature as compared to men. Such label has been possible as women are seen to have a psychological connection to childbearing and care. As a result, women have had a close association with nature. However, the society perception of ‘premenstrual woman, as lacking judgement and being overly emotional, is a challenge to human association with nature (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). The notion leads to oppression of both women and nature (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). Moreover, this has led to ecofeminism to have a different perception concerning patriarchal society. They believe that such a society is based on sexism, intolerance, class mistreatment and environmental degradation. Likewise, some form of patriarchy can be seen as creating a problem of human association with nature. One of such form has been western patriarchal that is based on dualism. The concept has been viewed as creating opposition between various entities. For example, the concept has been used in creating dissociation between culture and nature as well as between male and female. The effect is that one of the entities is as having superiority to the other (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). Man has been seen common in degrading of nature in favour of culture (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). Ecofeminism calls for a re-evaluation of this concept. They believe that female qualities like nurturing are crucial in creating an environmentally conscious culture rather than adopting man view that are detrimental to the nature (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). Also, there is criticism the concept of self and other adopted by society. Ecofeminist notes that men have a mentality of a "self-contained self and a separate ‘other that is the world" (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). The notion in men leads to disconnect between man and the environment. Furthermore, it leads to the idea that a natural world exist for humans to exploit. The view also leads to grouping of women as ‘other. The ultimate effects are that women are subjected to manipulation and control (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). As a result, ecofeminism has realized the essence of close association between various forms of life. Moreover, they have highlighted the role of humanity in the success of the world ecosystem. They also tend to discredit the ranking nature of the patriarchal system. There is also argument that men have been from the domestic realm. Domestic sphere has been shown crucial in understanding of the importance of nature. The lack of focus on this realm has been noted to rise from a patriarchal society. As a result, there has been a call that men need to embrace this life to understand the role of nurture. On the other hand, women have been shown to have a thriving connection with nature (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). The connection has been noted by some of the ecofeminists to be a social creation. Hence, there has been a call to evaluate the interaction that exists between various genders. It has been noted that such evaluation will help change relationships between men and women, as well as men and nature. Although men have been from the environment due to thriving patriarchal society, they are seen as having immense potential to change a nature. As ecofeminists notes, "men have as much potential as women to adopt a deeper environmental awareness" (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). Nevertheless, more effort is needed to realise the potential. However, there is a notion that women can act on their own on issues concerning nature. The idea has been reinforced by cultural feminist. They have a notion that women are more caring, cooperative, and even have an intimate relationship with nature as compared to men (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). Patriarchy has been associated with worthless human behaviour. Some of these behaviours have been shown to affects human interaction with the environment. The idea is that such behaviours have for a long time led to human separation from nature. The disassociation has been shown to have also existed in the human past. For example, theorist Chellis Glendinning notes that separation begun as human transformed from gatherer culture to rearing of plants and animals (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). Others note the emergence of strange human behaviour to have resulted from various advancements that occurred in the past and continue to occur. In this era, man was more geared towards progress. As a result, the world was no longer viewed as a living entity, but rather as a machine. The consequence was overuse of nature resource for the benefit of human (Green Fuse.org, n.d.). In addition, the concept, that women are closely associated with nature, has attracted attention of various partners around the world. Most of these partners have been concerned with the protection of the environment and uplifting of women in society. Women have been seen as "naturally caring for land, water, and the environment" (Leach, 2007). This has influenced bodies that help in offering protection to the environment (Leach, 2007). Some of such bodies include donor agencies and non-governmental organizations. For example, the issue of women have taken a leading role in these bodies such as ‘women, environment and development (WED). Historically, it has been noted that women have a unique affiliation with the environment (Leach, 2007). For example, in the 1980s, the argument was that women heavily rely on land and trees in the daily activities. On the other hand, there are various things that have been considered as belonging to women. Some of these include subsistence, domesticity, and the environment. Hence, women are shown to suffer whenever the environment is . They have also been shown to be good protectors of the environment as well as involved in addressing various environmental problems that may occur. The perception created on women relation with the environment was instrumental in the 1980s. At this period, various bodies concerned with environmental protection adopted the idea that women have a significant role in a protection of the environment. In this era, many development agencies were involved with various changes that were taking place in the environment. Various challenges were facing the globe especially in Africa that was ravaged by famine, land and soil degradation and deforestation (Leach, 2007). These challenges meant that various bodies had to act for their reversal. The issues helped in noting the special relationship that exists between women and the environment. This relationship took a centre stage in many developmental circles. A number of publications were by NGOs and donor agencies as well as scholars appreciating women as most important users and supervisor of environment (Leach, 2007). On the other hand, the intricate association was seen as giving women an upper hand on issues relating to environmental knowledge, as well as skills. The care offered to the environment was closely linked to care they provided to their families. Women caring for the environment gained a boost later. The boost occurred as WED worked together with ecofeminist. As a result, the idea of women having natural connection with the environment became more pronounced. Some theorists have attributed this connection as being biological while others view the connection as a social construct (Leach, 2007). However, there is a common accord that biological perspective takes a leading role. Therefore, women have been able to view nature as productive and hence the need to offer protection and care. On the other hand, ecofeminists argue that patriarchal institutions have been labelled as being oppressive to women. Moreover, they note that the oppression has also been advanced to nature by this society. Moreover, the prevailing Western culture has also been shown to have an influence in the current oppression of both nature and women. Scientific progress experienced is shown to have played a leading role in the oppression. As noted, a scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th century led to the replacement of organismic theory (Leach, 2007). The theory helped in a placement of earth at the core of cosmology in which nature and society had an intricate relationship (Leach, 2007). In this era, contest and control were seen as necessary for the achievement of progress. Moreover, these western ideologies have been shown to have influenced indigenous societies such as in Africa and Asia through scientific and development idea). The influence on other parts has been shown possible through imperialism and colonialism. Some theorists have argued that imperialism and colonialism are western system ways of thinking (Leach, 2007). These ideas have been shown to be based on patriarchy and masculinity. As a result, the ideas have been shown to reinforcing a violence to women and nature (Leach, 2007). The western system eroded the view that had existed in these societies concerning interaction between people and nature. On the other hand, ecofeminism has been seen as having a different approach to environmentalism. It has acted as a motivation for a large range of social and environmental movements. The inspiration has been evident through grassroots activism as well as large networks such as the one demonstrated by Womens Environmental Network (Leach, 2007). These perceptions have elevated women as good soldiers in protection of the environment. As a result, women have been acknowledged by various bodies and agencies as best suited for ensuring resource conservation. Therefore, caring for the environment has been moved to a local level where women appear to have a particular influence. As a result, women were incorporated in various aspects of environmental care such as tree planting, social conservation mostly through women groups (Leach, 2007). Various donor agencies have relied on women for various services to the environment. Moreover, patriarchal system has reinforced women roles in the environment. There is convincing statistic that women demonstrate an increased level of care to the environment as compared to men. Such concern is said to be by women intent to care for their children wealth (MacGregor, 2006). As a result, women have become an environmental activist. Moreover, the increased level of concern about environmental wellbeing has been associated with various roles that have been socially assigned to women. Furthermore, patriarchal and male power has been blamed for various ills that occur in the society. As the author of the article notes, such male power has have been associated with destruction of the environment as well as pollution (Howell, 1997). As a result, the environment continues to be rendered inhabitable for humanity, as well as progress of humanity (Howell, 1997). The solution is as based on destruction of male power to achieve a free and a sustainable environment. The destruction is also believed to help in having "new egalitarian gender relations (Howell, 1997). Additionally, ecofeminism fights for social transformation in the society. They acknowledge that such transformation is as crucial survival and achievement of justice in the world. They also call for the abolition of a hierarchical relationship in order to achieve uniformity in the process of interaction (Howell, 1997). As a result, it will be possible to enable survival, as well as justice. Moreover, they call for social transformation that will make it possible for elimination of various forms of oppression and domination (Howell, 1997). Hence, they note that activism is required to avert domination of person and nature. On the other hand, there are those of the idea that perception that patriarchal society created concerning nature needs proper reforms. As a result, it will be able to transform how human relates to nature (Howell, 1997). Such a shift in ways of thinking and perception would help in avoiding commodification of nature. Moreover, nature will attract more respect as well as basing some values to nature. Such perception has helped in realizing the importance of nature, as well as biological diversity. There has also been a call to disregard hierarchy created by a patriarchal system in the society. Such rank has been shown to create ways for domination and exploitation of humans along various lines such as gender and race. As noted in the article, nurturing the relationship of varies humans is crucial for human and ecological wellbeing, as well as justice (Howell, 1997). The other problematic relation with nature occurs through different perception that occurs over the issue. In essence, there has been contradicting view between those that call themselves feminist and ecofeminist. Ecofeminist have been quick to point the role women have in nature (Moore, 2008). On the other hand, the feminist has argued that women nature was not to nurture. They note that such perception has been socially constructed and has a possibility to change through social and political realm (Moore, 2008). As a result, there has been confusion of where women stand in this debate. Therefore, eco/feminism appears as a challenge for taking into consideration feminist politics, as well as the likelihood of social change (Moore, 2008). On the other hand, ecofeminism has focused overly on environmental activism while the feminist lacks focus on feminist activism (Moore, 2008). Therefore, a huge and intriguing debate exists in various feminist movements. In conclusion, it is clear that patriarchal society has been in existence for a long time. The system has been crucial in the definition of various gender roles in the society. Moreover, the system has led to domination of women and nature sometimes leading to a problematic relationship with nature. As these challenges arise, women have sometimes assumed the role of protecting and reinforcing nature. On the contrary, men have engaged in treating nature as separate from their ‘lives. Moreover, the system created by males has led to serious conflict between feminist ad ecofeminist in their approach to nature. Hence, there need to be some level of agreement if the society is to experience a sustainable future. References Crowley, E, 2014. Why Patriarchy Is The Greatest Social System Ever Created. [Online] Available at: < http://www.returnofkings.com/27852/why-patriarchy-is-the-greatest-social-system-ever-created> [Accessed 22 January 2015]. Green Fuse.org, n.d., Ecofeminism. [Online] Available at: < http://www.thegreenfuse.org/ecofem.htm> [Accessed 22 January 2015]. Howell, N. R., 1997. ‘Ecofeminism: What One Needs to Know.’ Zygon, 32(2), p. 231-241. Leach, M, 2007. "Earth Mother Myths and Other Ecofeminist Fables: How a Strategic Notion Rose and Fell." Development and Change, 38(1), p. 67-85. MacGregor, S, 2006. Beyond Mothering Earth. Vancouver : UBC Press Moore, N, 2008. "Debating Eco/Feminist Natures." International Feminist Journal of Politics, 10(3), p.314-321. Read More