Gender, Nature, and Equity: An Ecofeminist Approach to Justice and Sustainability in Literary Criticism

Abstract

The rising environmental issues and social injustices of our day necessitate an integrated approach to justice and sustainability. This research analyzes literary works through an ecofeminist perspective, illustrating how narratives about the environment and gender relate to larger discourses on equality. The study responds to the urgent appeal for inclusive development that embraces the perspectives of disadvantaged people, notably women and indigenous populations impacted by environmental degradation. Using qualitative, interpretative research, the study builds on ecofeminist paradigms established by authors such as Vandana Shiva and Karen J. Warren. Close reading and theme analysis are used to study Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things and Amitav Ghosh's The Hungry Tide. These works, drawn from many cultural and chronological settings, shed light on the gendered elements of environmental exploitation, resistance, and agency. The approach recognizes repeating themes of dualism, exploitation, and interdependence, presenting a critique of hierarchies that divide people from nature and men from women. This study’s significance lies in its contribution to current concerns about environmental justice and gender equity. It demonstrates how literary tales disrupt exploitative ideologies and promote linked worldviews. By emphasizing the importance of cultural narratives in generating environmental consciousness, this study suggests a comprehensive approach to sustainability that goes beyond academic critique. The findings are intended to inspire policy, education, and action, highlighting ecofeminism as a critical approach for creating a just and sustainable future.