Ecowomanism at the Panama Canal: Black Women, Labor, and Environmental Ethics

In Ecowomanism at the Panamá Canal: Black Women, Labor, and Environmental Ethics, Sofia Betancourt develops a transnational ecowomanist ethic that reclaims inherited environmental cultures across displacement sites. She argues that women in the African diaspora possess a unique understanding of how a moral refusal to compromise their humanity can help them survive extreme environmental devastation, drawing from the experiences of West Indian women who worked on the Panamá Canal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

In her groundbreaking work "In Ecowomanism at the Panamá Canal: Black Women, Labor, and Environmental Ethics," Sofia Betancourt develops a transnational ecowomanist ethic that reclaims inherited environmental cultures across diverse sites of displacement. Betancourt compellingly argues that women in the African diaspora possess a distinctive perspective on the moral imperative to uphold their humanity, which serves as the key to their survival in the face of previously unimaginable environmental devastation. This insightful work is guided by the experiences of West Indian women, forcibly brought to Panamá by the United States from various Caribbean regions, who played a crucial role in constructing the Panamá Canal. These resilient individuals, often referred to as the "silver men and women," toiled amidst mud, mosquitoes, and malaria, building a literal pathway to the American empire.

Betancourt's study explores the complex interplay between race, gender, and environmental justice, shedding light on the experiences of these marginalized women as they navigate the challenges and complexities of their new surroundings. She argues that their unwavering commitment to their humanity and refusal to compromise underlies their ability to adapt and thrive in environments that were once deemed inhospitable. Through their labor and resilience, these women not only contributed to the development of the Panamá Canal but also left a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship and social activism.

Betancourt's work contributes to the growing body of literature on ecowomanism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings with the natural world and the importance of sustainable practices. By reclaiming and celebrating inherited environmental cultures, she challenges the dominant narratives that often marginalize the contributions of women and marginalized communities in environmental conservation efforts. Moreover, her analysis highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to environmental ethics that recognizes the diverse experiences and perspectives of all individuals and communities.

In conclusion, "In Ecowomanism at the Panamá Canal: Black Women, Labor, and Environmental Ethics" by Sofia Betancourt is a groundbreaking work that reclaims inherited environmental cultures and explores the ethical dimensions of displacement. Through the experiences of West Indian women and their unwavering commitment to their humanity, Betancourt offers a powerful testament to the resilience and adaptability of women in the face of environmental adversity. Her analysis highlights the importance of intersectional approaches to environmental ethics and the need to recognize the diverse contributions of all individuals and communities in shaping our collective future.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 231 x 162 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793641403