Social Equity and Ecological Sustainability in HCI: An Ecofeminist Perspective

Abstract

Despite the recent exponential growth of thought and activity on the topic of sustainability in HCI, important aspects of ecological issues such as the socio-cultural and political remain largely unengaged within the existing discourse. My dissertation research attempts to contribute towards addressing such a gap by focusing on issues of social equity as applicable to ecological issues. My work remains inspired and informed by ecofeminist philosophy in approaching the question 'How are our current notions of sustainability produced?' Such an engagement is an attempt to critically explore, understand, and articulate how existing discursive arrangements and practices lend support to specific goals, commitments, priorities, assumptions, values, roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations shaping HCI's engagement with ecological issues. This engagement is framed as my dissertation work through the scoping of social equity issues from an ecofeminist perspective.