Dear Ecofem list members, May be some of you continue to be interested in this topic, that I believe crucial to discuss in the ecofeminist movement. Here I am quoting Jennifer Hudson's explanation on essentialism, and my comments.
"I have always understood essentialism (in regards to feminism) as the sweeping claim that all women possess the same "feminine" qualities or characteristics, be they intrinsic or socialized." Sweeping claims are useless due to the great human variability, however generalizations are a very useful cognitive artifact. Language is based on generalizations. Speaking about the female of the species Homo Sapiens, we know that she females gave different ecological functions than males, and therefore certain different characteristics not only biological but also mental, cognitive, and so on. "An example of this would be to say that all women are oppressed in the same way, e.g., by means of their female bodies or sexuality." They may not be oppressed in the same way, but most of them are oppressed. "Another example of essentialism would be that all women possess a maternal drive." Most of women possess maternal drive because it is a biological function. "Basically, essentialism is a generalization, the identification of a group as a whole based on characteristics that are seen as 'essential," One should never generalize based on stereotypes, however females tend to behave, fell and act, differently of males, in most if not in all cultures, and of course, with individual exeptions. "and not looking at the unique parts that make up the whole. It can often be quite limiting." The reverse is also true. My best wishes, Teresa Flores
