Hydrofeminist Thinking With Oceans: Political and Scholarly Possibilities

Hydrofeminist Thinking with Oceans brings together authors from South Africa to explore the political spaces of oceans and beaches, focusing on the violences of settler colonialism, land dispossession, slavery, and extractivism. The book offers valuable Southern contributions and rich situated narratives to hydrofeminist thinking, addressing globalized concerns for justice and environmental challenges. It provides ethico-political perspectives on research in ocean governance, policy development, and collective decision-making for ecological justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Hydrofeminist Thinking with Oceans is a groundbreaking collection of essays that explores the interconnectedness of ocean/s and beaches in South African contexts, offering alternative knowledge towards a just and flourishing world on a planetary scale. Drawing from a range of scholarly perspectives, including feminist new materialist and post-humanist thinking, this book specifically situates itself within the realm of hydrofeminist thought.

In the chapters of this book, authors examine both land and water, recognizing oceans as profoundly political spaces that are globally and locally entangled in the violences of settler colonialism, land dispossession, slavery, transnational labor exploitation, extractivism, and omnicides. South Africa serves as a fertile ground for such scholarship, as there is a growing body of literature that critically engages with the sea and bodies of water to understand the damages of centuries of colonization and ongoing extractivist capitalism. However, there is limited work that explores this burgeoning thinking in global Southern and South African contexts.

This volume offers valuable contributions from the Southern region and rich situated narratives to hydrofeminist thinking. It also brings diverse and marginalized knowledges to bear on the project of generating imaginative alternatives to hegemonic colonial and patriarchal logics in the academy and beyond. While primarily rooted in a South African context, the volume resonates with globalized concerns for justice and environmental challenges, both within human societies and in relation to the natural world.

The book's chapters delve into various aspects of hydrofeminist thinking, including the politics of ocean/s and beaches, the ecological implications of oceanic processes, and the role of oceans in shaping cultural and social identities. Authors employ a range of methodologies, including feminist scholarship, post-humanist analysis, and environmental studies, to shed light on the complex relationships between humans and the ocean/s.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the ways in which oceans are used as sites of resistance and empowerment. Authors highlight the historical and ongoing struggles of marginalized communities, such as indigenous peoples and women, who have been marginalized and oppressed by colonialism and patriarchy. They argue that oceans provide a space for these communities to reclaim their rights, voice their concerns, and forge new alliances for justice and equality.

Another important aspect of hydrofeminist thinking is the recognition of the ecological interconnectedness of oceans and other natural systems. Authors argue that the health of the ocean is intimately linked to the health of the planet, and that environmental degradation and climate change have profound impacts on ocean ecosystems and human societies. They advocate for sustainable practices and policies that prioritize the conservation and protection of the ocean/s and other natural resources.

The book also explores the role of oceans in shaping cultural and social identities. Authors argue that oceans have been used as symbols of power, beauty, and spirituality for centuries, and that they continue to play a significant role in shaping cultural practices, beliefs, and values. They explore the ways in which oceans are represented in art, literature, and popular culture, and how these representations contribute to the construction of ocean/s as spaces of exploration, discovery, and wonder.

In conclusion, Hydrofeminist Thinking with Oceans is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the field of feminist scholarship and environmental studies. By bringing together authors from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, this book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between humans and the ocean/s. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which oceans are used as sites of resistance and empowerment, as well as the ecological and cultural significance of these spaces. Through its exploration of hydrofeminist thinking, this book contributes to the ongoing efforts to create a more just and sustainable world for all.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032408972