Photo: Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park, Texas. Copyright 2017 Delena Norris-Tull
Ecology and Feminism
“Living systems are organized in such a way that they form multi-leveled structures, each level consisting of subsystems which are wholes in regard to their parts, and parts with respect to the larger wholes” (Capra, 1982, p. 43). Capra concludes that the mechanistic world view is exemplified by the science of men. The holistic sciences are often exemplified by the science of women, such as Jane Goodall and many medical researchers. Thus, Capra reasons that a holistic, ecological world view is also a feminist world view (Capra, 1982, p. 101).
“Exploitation of nature has gone hand in hand with that of women, who have been identified with nature throughout the ages...With the rise of Newtonian science, finally, nature became a mechanical system that could be manipulated and exploited, together with the manipulation and exploitation of women. The ancient association of woman and nature thus interlinks women’s history and the history of the environment, and is the source of a natural kinship between feminism and ecology which is manifesting itself increasingly” (Capra, 1982, p. 40).
“The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912).
References:
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Ecology and Feminism
“Living systems are organized in such a way that they form multi-leveled structures, each level consisting of subsystems which are wholes in regard to their parts, and parts with respect to the larger wholes” (Capra, 1982, p. 43). Capra concludes that the mechanistic world view is exemplified by the science of men. The holistic sciences are often exemplified by the science of women, such as Jane Goodall and many medical researchers. Thus, Capra reasons that a holistic, ecological world view is also a feminist world view (Capra, 1982, p. 101).
“Exploitation of nature has gone hand in hand with that of women, who have been identified with nature throughout the ages...With the rise of Newtonian science, finally, nature became a mechanical system that could be manipulated and exploited, together with the manipulation and exploitation of women. The ancient association of woman and nature thus interlinks women’s history and the history of the environment, and is the source of a natural kinship between feminism and ecology which is manifesting itself increasingly” (Capra, 1982, p. 40).
“The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912).
References:
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (1912). In Howard MacNutt, Ed., 1982, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 375. Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
- Capra, F. (1982). The Turning Point: Science, Society, and the Rising Culture. New York: Bantam Books.
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