Women and Water in Global Fiction

Liquidity symbols and tropes are connected to notions of femininity and womanhood, with water as a central life force. Women and Water in Global Fiction explores the cultural associations between female gendered identities and watery tropes, revealing their consequences for women, society, and the environment. The collection investigates the roots of these symbolisms, examines how they inform womens place in global cultures, and shows how female authors use these tropes to (re)articulate female identities and their correlative roles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 247 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Symbols and tropes of liquidity have long been intertwined with notions of femininity and, thus, with orthodox constructions of femininity and womanhood. At the core of these ideas lies the essential significance of water as a life force, which has granted it a central place in cultural vocabularies worldwide. These symbolic economies, in turn, shape the discourses through which positive or negative associations of women with water come to bear impact on the social positioning of female-gendered identities.

Women and Water in Global Fiction brings together a diverse collection of studies that explore this phenomenon as seen in writing by and about women from across the globe. The literature examined in this volume aims to make visible, decode, celebrate, and challenge the cultural associations made between female-gendered identities and various watery tropes, as well as their consequences for key issues related to women, society, and the environment. The collection delves into the roots of such symbolisms, examines how they inform women's place in the socio-cultural orders of diverse global cultures, and showcases how the female authors in question utilize these tropes in their work as means of (re)articulating female identities and their corresponding roles.

The significance of water as a life force is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and narratives worldwide. In many cultures, water is associated with purity, fertility, and renewal, symbolizing the cycle of life and the cycle of women's menstrual cycles. Women are often portrayed as being connected to water, with their bodies often being seen as a source of water or a vessel for water. This association can be seen in various forms of art, literature, and mythology, where women are often depicted as being the guardians of water or as being able to control its flow.

However, this association between women and water can also be problematic, as it can reinforce gender stereotypes and inequalities. For example, in some cultures, women are considered to be inferior to men and are not allowed to access water sources or participate in water-related activities. This can lead to health and sanitation issues, as well as economic and social marginalization of women.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of gender equality and the need to address the gender disparities that exist in access to water and other resources. This has led to a range of initiatives and campaigns aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Women's Empowerment Agenda.

One of the key ways in which women and water are interconnected is through the issue of climate change. Climate change has a significant impact on water resources, with changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and sea levels affecting the availability and quality of water. Women are often disproportionately affected by climate change, as they are often responsible for collecting water, managing water resources, and adapting to changing weather conditions.

In response to this, there has been a growing movement among women and women's organizations to advocate for gender-responsive climate change policies and practices. This includes promoting women's participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that women have access to resources and technologies to adapt to climate change, and addressing the gender-based vulnerabilities that women face in the context of climate change.

Another important aspect of women and water is the issue of water pollution. Water pollution is a global problem that affects the health and well-being of millions of people, particularly women and children. Women are often responsible for collecting and cleaning water, which can expose them to harmful chemicals and pathogens. This can lead to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, waterborne diseases, and cancer.

In response to this, there has been a growing movement among women and women's organizations to advocate for clean water and sanitation for all. This includes promoting the use of sustainable water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, and advocating for policies that protect water resources and promote sustainable development.

In addition to these issues, women and water are also interconnected through the issue of gender-based violence. Women are often vulnerable to gender-based violence, particularly in situations where they are marginalized or have limited access to resources. Water can be a site of violence, as women may be forced to drink contaminated water or may be subjected to sexual violence in water bodies.

In response to this, there has been a growing movement among women and women's organizations to advocate for the protection and empowerment of women who are vulnerable to gender-based violence. This includes promoting the use of safe drinking water and sanitation, providing access to legal and medical services, and advocating for policies that address gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

Overall, women and water are interconnected in a complex and multifaceted way. The significance of water as a life force, the cultural associations made between women and water, and the consequences of these associations for women, society, and the environment are all important issues that require attention and action. By promoting gender equality, addressing climate change, promoting clean water and sanitation, and advocating for the protection and empowerment of women who are vulnerable to gender-based violence, we can work towards gender disparities and create a more just and sustainable world for all.

In conclusion, Women and Water in Global Fiction brings together an array of studies that explore the complex and multifaceted relationship between women and water in global fiction. The literature examined in this volume highlights the significance of water as a life force, the cultural associations made between women and water, and the consequences of these associations for women, society, and the environment. By promoting gender equality, addressing climate change, promoting clean water and sanitation, and advocating for the protection and empowerment of women who are vulnerable to gender-based violence, we can work towards gender disparities and create a more just and sustainable world for all.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 150 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032417141