Description
This proposal challenges the traditional meaning of development that was defined during
the post-World War II period. Despite the sustainability paradigm, economic growth
continues to be the most important variable in decision-making processes, leaving aside
social and environmental costs. The predominant system is capitalist, patriarchal and
anthropocentric. Ecofeminism emerges in International Relations as a theoretical approach
that contributes to questioning hegemonic visions from the Global South. The hegemonic
vision consists of the utilitarian perception of nature and its commodification. Women have
been more affected by the gender roles assigned to them throughout history. Additionally,
women are expected to be particularly impacted by the effects of the environmental crisis.
Hence it must be integrated into the study of the human-nature relationship, the predominant economic model variable, the market economy, conforming the triad society-
nature-market. Ecofeminism should be understood as a synthesis of feminist claims and environmentalist criticism of capitalism that proposes deconstructing power relations
between men and women and utilitarian practices and the commodification of nature. Its
fundamental objective is to propose and recognize diverse development visions that help to
achieve gender equality and social and environmental dimensions of justice.
