Reading Reflection -- King, Warren and Hierarchical Thinking

 For today’s class, we read three pieces that explored the intersectional concept of ecofeminism, which emphasizes the connections between gendered domination and hierarchy and the domination of nature. My reading reflection will specifically be centered around Warren and King’s pieces. Their explorations of the role of hierarchical thinking in creating intersectional forms of oppression such as environmental degradation stands out to me as a consistent obstacle to building sustainable and beneficial relationships with nature. 

An element of Warren’s piece that stood out to me is their exploration of hierarchy.  importantly highlights that hierarchical thinking may not be inherently problematic  in of itself, but becomes oppressive when coupled with a logic of domination (591). This commentary reminded me of several conversations we have had as a class surrounding moral hierarchies, particularly in the context of hierarchies between species. While I firmly believe that hierarchichal thinking among humans is different and is far more often coupled with the harmful logic of domination, this distinction is a valuable framework in dissecting how hierarchy unfolds into oppression. 

I was intrigued by how King built on Warren’s exploration of hierarchical thinking by pointing out the “violent rupturing” that is caused in society by the precedent of humans dominating nature. I appreciated this emphasis on the fact that while hierarchical thinking may not always be inherently problematic, it has the potential to cause violence and separation. An understanding of how hierarchical thinking between nature and human is often coupled by domination logics, and therefore creates violent rupturing, aligns so well with the values of intersectionality as a lens that attends to complexities of and connections between systems of oppression. As I continue to reflect on and think deeply about conceptual connections in the realm of environmental ethics, I continue to see hierarchical thinking as a pillar in processes that lead to oppressive dynamics between humans and nature. 

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