Daoist Ecofeminism

Daoism and ecofeminism, though originating from different cultural and philosophical backgrounds, share a common thread: a deep reverence for nature and a commitment to living in harmony with the environment. In this post, we will delve into the intriguing connection between Daoism and ecofeminism, and their convergence into Daoist ecofeminism. 

DAOISM

Daoism, a centuries-old Chinese philosophy, emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. According to Daoism, because everything in the universe is interconnected, humans should strive to coexist harmoniously with nature. Daoism teaches that humans should respect the environment and work to preserve it for future generations. This philosophy has been influential in shaping Chinese culture and environmental thought.

Daoism's foundational text, Dao De Jing (道德经), says, "respect the world as yourself... love the world as yourself." This quote emphasizes a mindset of reverence towards nature rather than dominance. 

Daoism opposes anthropocentrism, and challenges dualistic thinking. The yin/yang symbol, emblematic of Daoist philosophy, encapsulates the idea of harmonious non-dualism, viewing binaries as complementary aspects of a unified whole. Neither side of the binary is superior to the other, rather, each side is necessary to balance the other. 

ECOFEMINISM

Ecofeminism, a feminist philosophy, posits a connection between the oppression of women and the degradation of the environment, both arising from hierarchical (and thus patriarchal) systems of power. This philosophy critiques notions of domination and exploitation, advocating for a more balanced and interconnected relationship between humanity and the natural world. This framework argues that when a social construct or structure is deemed superior over another, oppression follows. Ecofeminism focuses on obtaining an equilibrium between humanity and the natural world. 

DAOIST ECOFEMINISM

Daoism and ecofeminism are both transformative philosophies, seeking to bring about substantial and fundamental changes in individuals, societies, or the world at large, with the aim of improving well-being, justice, and the overall human condition. Both critique dualistic frameworks (i.e. female/male, materialist/spiritualist, nature/nature), and advocate for inward transformation in order to attain outward change. 

In feminist theory, there are two major approaches, sameness and difference. Sameness says that men and women are equal because of their sameness, their human qualities. Difference recognizes the difference between both sexes, but does not assert superiority. This thoery does not recognize that difference is already a result of patriarchal domination, though, and thus can perpetuate gender roles defined by patriarchy. In the Daoist view, gender is not fixed. Gender is approached through the yin/yang lens, where both are interdependent. Each person can have differing aspects of yin and yang, which can deconstruct the binary view of gender, formulating a view separate from the sameness and difference views in traditional feminist theory. 


Key Terms:

道教 - Dàojiào, Daoism

女权主义 - Nǚquán zhǔyì, feminism

生态女性主义 - Shēngtài nǚxìng zhǔyì, ecofeminism

人类中心主义 - Rénlèi zhōngxīn zhǔyì, anthropocentrism



Links to further reading:

https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/enr3470studentbook/chapter/an-unfamiliar-outlook-the-partnership-of-ecofeminism-and-daoism-2/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/hypatia/article/daoist-ecofeminism-as-a-new-democracy-an-analysis-of-patriarchy-in-contemporary-china-and-a-tentative-solution/4FB54929E73DAF507C9442E98EBB16B4


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