Permaculture’s misogyny problem
Permaculture has so far been unable to shed the misogyny that adherents often claim does not exist in its ranks.
TW: Misogyny, rape
Permaculture brands itself as a fairly progressive movement, peaceful and motivated by a desire for an egalitarian post-violence utopia where all people are equal and the environment well taken care of. This is evidenced in the three ethics of permaculture, one of which is ‘People Care.’ As a result, there is an emphasis in permaculture on nonviolence, embracing diversity, and accepting differences in opinion and culture.
And by looking at the permaculture community as a whole one might be pleased to see the progress it has made. Women make up a very large chunk of permaculture authors, students, and instructors and some permaculture teachers have even expressed concern that they are unable to find enough men to take their courses. Though it was established in a predominantly white, western culture permaculture has made inroads outside of ‘the west’ and has done great things for both disadvantaged communities needing assistance and privileged communities trying to lessen their environmental impact.
Of course, this does not change that most of the biggest figures, the ones who dominate discourse in the movement, are white men. Slightly troubling given the large numbers of women in the…
