Coping with the Anthropocene in China. The potential of ecofeminism to inform value systems and societal practices.

Abstract

At present, the future of humanity is at stake, the transition to the Anthropocene has marked the beginning of the downfall of our Earth caused by the massive impact of human activities. Faith in science and technology perpetuates the logic of exploitation and domination of patriarchal and capitalist society and it legitimizes the double oppression of nature and women, therefore a transformation of the value system can represent a leverage point to foster changes. It this context, ecofeminism makes its own way into the debate criticizing the anthropocentric/androcentric structure of society. The holistic approach of ecofeminism eradicates the dualistic thinking, it fosters the ethic of care, it enhances the values of cooperation, love, forgiveness, recognizing the equal value of every life on earth. The objective of this thesis is to explore the relevance of the concept and practice of ecofeminism for China. In the PRC the development of ecofeminism is hampered by the administrative and political system and there are difficulties in developing an ecofeminism with Chinese roots. Despite the challenges, some insights for the construction of a local ecofeminism have been gathered to demonstrate the possibility of an ecofeminist development outside the Chinese academia: the construction of Daoist ecofeminism, ecofeminism traits in the matrilineal system of China’s Mosuo ethnic group and a brief analysis of the work of two environmental activists, Wang Yongchen and Chai Jing.