Gendering Climate Change: A Feminist Criminological Perspective

• In Event: Criminological Perspectives on Climate Change

Abstract

Although the social harm associated with climate change has just begun to be documented, it is already evident that the economic, social, and physical harm caused by climate change dwarfs the harm associated with the individual level crimes that have dominated traditional criminological thinking. Using a feminist and critical framing that focuses on the theoretical concepts of social reproduction and sustainability, we examine climate change as form of gendered social harm. We argue that a full accounting and analysis of the harm, violence, and risk associated with climate change requires a gendered perspective. In particular, we document the way that climate change reflects and reinforces gender divides, and also disproportionately impacts women around the world. We also examine the crucial role activists, NGOs, and even criminologists must play to facilitate the change required to prevent more catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Authors

• Nancy Wonders, Northern Arizona University

• Mona Danner, Old Dominion University