Can anyone offer an ecofeminist position that addresses
>reproductive issues in a way that is consistently nonsexist,
>nonethnocentric, and also nonanthropocentric?
>
>Like to hear other thoughts on this.
>
>Ronnie
As my reading is behind I hope I don't repeat what others have already
said. But here is my view.
I took the comment about controlling reproduction of third world women as
sexist and unecessary. I thought the person who spoke about this did
include the ecofem alternative that is empowering the women to make
choices.
There is an alternative to forcing people to do your will just because you
think its best for everyone - a patronising and patriarchal attitude and
one I'm sure you don't align yourself with.
Firstly, we must understand why these women have so many children. I am
not fully informed but what I do recall from my study of Anthropology in
1990 is:
Because 1.mortality of children is high they need to give birth to many to
ensure survival of a few past puberty.
2. Children look after their parents in the parents old age.
3. Children contribute to the economic wellbeing of the family and are not
a drain on family resources that western children generally are.
4. There is not adequate contraception for or education of women. Or men.
Of course population in the third world AND our own needs curtailment.
What we can do is:
1. Provide Education.
2. Provide access to free and safe contraceptives including vasectomy for men.
3. provide economic incentives for having small families - like social
security.
4. Provide an alternative safety net for people to be looked after in
their old age should they decide to have few children and these children do
not survive.
This is obviously more costly economically. But I find the alternative
top-down patriarchial approach of prohibitive cost to the human rights of
women in the third world. They are women just like us. Sometimes I think
westerners can forget the humanity of other people when they are poor.
This is simply my opinion and disagreements are expected. So don't hesitate.
Respectfully,
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Interesting: Your people glorified organised violence for 40 centuries,
but you imprison those who employ it privately."
Mr Spock. Star Trek 'Dagger of the Mind'
