Ecofeminism and creative marginality: an alternative geometry of education

Abstract

The conception of human identity that we have inherited from history generally seems to be based on the dualistic thinking that has long characterized Western culture. Cartesian dualism, through numerous symbolic associations, has contributed to the devaluation of women and nature. In light of this, the theoretical and activist thought of ecofeminism aims to promote a new geometry of thought—one that sees the transcendence of dualistic conceptions between society/nature and man/woman as the only possibility for the future of knowledge. Often considered a peripheral issue, ecofeminism today establishes itself as a primary site of engagement in discussions on gender and cultural politics. This contribution pursues the suggestion of an ethical and theoretical paradox, arguing that the issue of ecofeminism might indeed be left “at the margin”—if we understand marginality as resilience, sharing, and the development of collective strategies: a counter-space to pause and rethink different ways of living in the world, within the world.