Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part C (2023)

This article explores the intersections of patriarchy, gender oppression, and environmental exploitation through an ecofeminist lens, focusing on Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and Possessing the Secret of Joy. It examines how patriarchy marginalizes women while commodifying nature, perpetuating inequalities in familial, cultural, and ecological realms. Walker’s works reveal the psychological, social, and environmental costs of these systems, offering pathways for resistance and healing. Using an ecofeminist framework, the article argues that both the oppression of women and environmental degradation stem from shared patriarchal ideologies. The study aims to analyze the manifestation of patriarchy in Walker’s narratives, explore the connections between gender and environmental justice, highlight the power of solidarity, agency, and resistance in challenging patriarchal structures, and emphasize ecofeminism’s potential to inspire a more sustainable and equitable future. Ultimately, the article advocates for dismantling patriarchal dualisms that prioritize profit over care and sustainability.