Learning, Magic, & Politics: Integrating Ecofeminist Spirituality into Environmental Education

Abstract

Despite the growth and development of ecofeminist theory, ecofeminism has had little influence on environmental education. Within rich and diverse body of ecofeminist literature, there is great potential for ecofeminism to inform and shape environmental education. Spiritual ecofeminism offers an approach to be able to focus on interconnection and community, elements often missing from the standard, science based environmental education curriculum. Drawing on work done by feminist writer Starhawk, ecofeminist spirituality can be used to problematize both the focus on individuals and technocratic rationality. There are also inherent dangers in spiritual environmental education that are romantic and idealize "feminine nature." It is important to realize the potential of politically magical environmental education while evaluating the dangers of nature idealism.