Socialization and early childhood education and care in the Capitalocene

Ecofeminist critique of ecosocial education theory

Authors

• Aleksi Paavilainen Helsingin yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.111727

Keywords:

ecosocial education, ecofeminism, early childhood education and care, capitalism, gender socialization, social reproductive work

Abstract

This article investigates ecosocial education theory from a materialist queer ecofeminist perspective. Ecosocial education theory and ecofeminism have commonalities, such as deconstruction of the artificial boundary between humanity and the rest of nature. However, ecosocial education theory does not address several questions of justice that are central to ecofeminism. In this article, I underscore the significance of gender for ecosocial education theory. Previous research suggests that socialization to gender is important in forming a responsible relation to nature. Ecosocial education theory disregards this. In addition, ecosocial education theory sidelines the gendered nature of work in capitalist world order. Here, I highlight early childhood education and care, which is a feminized and under-resourced area of work. Ecosocial education theory recognizes capitalism as a problem, but its solutions to the problem of capitalism focus on the level of the individual. According to my analysis, ecosocial education theory needs gender sensitivity. In addition, transforming capitalism requires more efficient measures. Social reproductive workers in the public sector, such as early childhood education and care workers, can attempt to change capitalism by strikes. They can demand more time and resources for life-making, inherent in their work. Life-nurturing tasks include but are not limited to play and care.