Revising Masculinities Through Ecofeminist Lenses: Social and Cultural Ecologies in the Works of Ntozake Shange

Abstract

This paper presents the ways that masculinities are reconstructed using the techniques of ecofeminist paradigms in the writings of Ntozake Shange. Combining ecofeminist theory with masculinity study, the discussion examines how Shange confronts patriarchal constructions that do not only harm the environment but also marginalized groups of people. The analysis of the texts of the chosen works through a close textual analysis approaches the issue of the interconnection of gendered identities, cultural ecologies, and social structures. Ecofeminist observations can help us understand the manner in which Shange places women, men, and nature in inter-relationships of care, exploitation, and resistance. The analysis brings out the destructive masculinities that are created through the cultural and social dislocations and the alternative and curative masculinities created through community, creativity and ecological consciousness. Following all these overlapping themes, the article provides a new interpretive paradigm to explain the role played by Shange in Black feminist and ecological literary discourse. The paper concludes by saying that Shange subvers masculinity by basing it on relational, ethical and ecological paradigms.