Making Matter Great Again? Ecofeminism, New Materialism and the Everyday Turn in Environmental Politics

Citation:

MacGregor, Sherilyn. 2021. “Making Matter Great Again? Ecofeminism, New Materialism and the Everyday Turn in Environmental Politics.” Environmental Politics 30 (1-2): 41-60.

Author: Sherilyn MacGregor

Abstract:

The idea that sustainability requires changing individuals’ routines and choices has for decades been regarded as tantamount to the depoliticization of environmentalism. But the 21st century has seen a shift toward considering ‘everyday material practices’ as driving a new wave in environmental politics. Claims about the radical potential of material practices have led some scholars down new theoretical paths and reaffirmed old critiques for others. Viewing this development through an ecofeminist lens uncovers problematic oversights. Starting from the position that ecofeminist theory has never not been grounded in materiality, I offer two arguments. First, it is wrong to accept claims of newness in an ‘everyday turn’ that ignore the past and overlook their specificity. Second, if this turn represents a new scholarly agenda, then old ecofeminist insights about the politics of everyday living should be incorporated. Both my arguments call for reflection on the politics of publishing in environmental politics. 

Keywords: environmentalism, everyday life, new/sustainable materialism, green/ecofeminist political theory

Topics: Environment, Feminisms, Ecofeminism Regions: Americas, Europe

Year: 2021

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