Describing a feminist-systems theory

Abstract

This paper provides the first detailed discussion of a set of principles developed when two epistemologies (Critical Systems Thinking and Cultural Ecofeminism) where systematically compared. There are five principles themed around gender sensitivity; valuing voices from the margins; no longer regarding the environment as 'outside' the realm of theoretical research; selecting appropriate methodologies; and promoting the achievement of plurally desirable and sustainable social changes. The analysis subjects the principles to scrutiny from broader literature on direct and indirectly related concepts. The analysis also provides sets of theoretical recommendations for practitioners to embed single or multiple principles in their own repertoires of practice.