A Weight for Water: An Ecological Feminist Critique of Emerging Norms and Trends in Global Water Governance

Citation:

Darling, Kate. 2012. “A Weight for Water: An Ecological Feminist Critique of Emerging Norms and Trends in Global Water Governance.” Melbourne Journal of International Law 13 (1): 368–95.

Author: Kate Darling

Annotation:

Summary:
The human population is placing an ever-greater demand on the Earth’s freshwater supply. These water systems are interdependent components of a planetary hydrologic cycle. Reflecting this reality, a global water governance framework, based on multilateral agreements, international institutions and rights regimes, has begun to emerge. As this framework becomes entrenched, so too does a normalised view of water as a commodity valued principally on the basis of its usefulness to certain forms of human endeavour. In this view, androcentric values receive priority while elements of care for, and protection of, the flourishing of all human and non-human life are neglected. Looking at the issue from an ecological feminist perspective, this paper argues against treating water scarcity as a threat for which only a narrow spectrum of efficiency-based solutions are available. Instead, it suggests incorporating a diversity of cultural, spiritual and scientific views in our search for a fair and sustainable water governance framework. (Summary from original source)

Topics: Environment, Feminisms, Feminist Political Ecology, Gender, Gender Analysis, Gendered Discourses, Governance, Infrastructure, Water & Sanitation, International Organizations

Year: 2012

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