Gender, Capitalism, and Environmental Degradation: A Material Ecofeminist Analysis of Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sorrow

Abstract

Amidst a backdrop of multiple crises, academics and activists have paid significant attention to the relationship between gender inequality and unchecked capitalism, which has prompted a closer look at the ways in which these two phenomena intersect. Octavia Butlers groundbreaking novel, Parable of the Sower presents a captivating story that takes place in a United States overwhelmed, by environmental degradation, resource exploitation and the resilience of individuals, particularly women. This research embarks on a journey onto material ecofeminism focusing on Vandana Shiva’s ecofeminist framework as the guiding perspective. By applying this lens, this research aims to uncover the connections between gender, capitalism and environmental decline depicted in the novel. Through analysis of excerpts and passages this research aims to shed light on how ecofeminist themes are incorporated in the novel and how characters actions reflect ecofeminist agency, resilience, and resistance. This study not only enhances our understanding of ecofeminism in literature but also highlights the urgent need to address environmental challenges, gender dynamics and power structures, within society – both within fiction and reality.