Eco-feminism is a philosophical and political movement that identifies a fundamental connection between the domination and exploitation of nature and the oppression and exploitation of women. It posits that patriarchal societal structures, which value hierarchy, control, and instrumental rationality, are responsible for both environmental degradation and gender inequality.

Eco-feminists argue that just as women have historically been associated with nature and deemed inferior to men, nature itself has been viewed as a resource to be exploited and controlled by a male-dominated society. This dual oppression stems from a common conceptual framework that devalues anything perceived as 'feminine' or 'natural.' Different strands of eco-feminism exist: some emphasize the biological or spiritual connection between women and nature, advocating for a return to more holistic, nurturing, and cooperative ways of living; others, like socialist eco-feminists, focus on how capitalist and patriarchal systems exploit both women's labor and natural resources. Regardless of the specific approach, eco-feminism calls for a radical transformation of societal values and structures to create a more equitable and sustainable world, recognizing that the liberation of women and the protection of the environment are intrinsically linked.