RIS+Draft+Overview

What are the similarities between permaculture and earth-based spiritualties, and how does gender factor in? When did permaculture and earth-based spiritualties become “alternative?” What were they before? The aim of this research is to generate knowledge about permaculture and pagan religions, specifically about the time period in which they became “alternative” choices, and identify how women and gender play a role. The study will be based upon existing literatures on the subjects, including websites, videos, and books, as well as scholarly articles. By focusing on a key time period for both of these subcultures, I can understand the shift from what may have been common in the past, to what is currently an alternative path.

Permaculture is a way of interacting with the Earth to maximize output and reduce inputs such as fossil fuels, fertilizers, and pesticides. It is about manipulating the players in a system so that they work together harmoniously, so little is forced. Unwanted outputs from one system are strategically placed so they flow to where they will be wanted inputs to another system. Why do people implement permaculture? Because they think it will lead to a better future for people on the Earth. Because they want to make good use of resources.

Earth-based spirituality says that they earth is alive, is part of the deity. To worship the deity, it is important to treat the earth with kindness and reverence. Permaculture can be a way of worshiping the deity.

How does gender play a role? I think that both permaculture and earth-based spirituality share the same base. A reverence for the Earth, an appreciation for what we get from it and a need to preserve and care for it. So what's the difference? In pagan religions, the earth is often //Mother// Earth or Gaia or another female goddess. Many pagan religions worship the Goddess exclusively, paying little attention to the male God, somehow trying to make up for the unbalance in mainstream religion. In permaculture, the earth is still alive, but it is not a deity. Earth is not personified, it is not a "she," a mother. So there are no spiritual rituals.

This research aims to gain a better understanding of how permaculture is similar to pagan religions, as well as how gender plays a part in each of these subcultures. The study’s intent is to identify this by analyzing a time-period (1950s to 1970s?) in which both of these cultures became “alternative” options. The study aims to answer the questions “how are permaculture and paganism related?” “How are they different?” and “What role does gender play within these connections?” The majority of the research for this study will consist of examination and analysis of current and past literatures regarding both agriculture and paganism, as well as some literature on ecofeminism and other women’s movements that could relate to either or both of the main topics.