Abstract

Karen Warren’s ecofeminism contends that the domination or subjugation of women is linked to the domination or subjugation of nature. This essay argues she is largely correct in her views on this subject, and certain dimensions of social science help establish this conclusion firmly. The paper begins by reviewing Warren’s position, and one line of criticism of it, to clarify the interpretation of her work that informs this commentary. It then shows how developments in social science, especially regarding the concept of “social dominance orientation,” validate Warren’s claim that women’s and nature’s oppression are connected, along with her contention that these connections entail elements of dualism, hierarchy, and domination. It concludes by examining two approaches to environmental issues found in the social science literature, and discusses what is problematic about one and promising about the other, ultimately highlighting the potential of interventions focused on connectedness to nature.