Why Women? Why Wilderness?
Research shows that the connection between women and wilderness is vital. Learn about the women and nature nexus, and nature connection in general.
featured articles
How Empowering Women and Girls Can Help Stop Global Warming
“Gender equity is a key answer to our planetary challenge…Women are vital voices and agents for change on this planet…It is a magnificent thing to be alive in a moment that matters so much.”
~Katherine Wilkinson, Ted Talk
Femininity in the wilderness
“Women’s guides are designed to help women take the initiative in their own provisioning so that they won’t be dependent upon men.”
~Cheryll Glotfelty, PhD
The nature of body image
“Our research has found that women who spent more than three hours a week engaged in nature-based activities had a significantly more positive body image than their counterparts.”
~Denise Mitten, PhD & Chiara D’Amore, PhD
the mental benefits of being in nature
A 2008 study showed that spending time in nature resulted in heightened learning and memory. This is due to microscopic bacteria in the soil called mycobacterium vaccae.
Further Readings
Women and Nature
Fredrickson, Barbara L., and Tomi-Ann Roberts. “Objectification Theory: Towards Understanding Women’s Lived Experiences and Mental Health Risks.” Psychology of Women Quarterly 21, no. 2 (1997): 173-206. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.1997.tb00108.x.
Fredrickson and Roberts article investigates the uses of objectification theory in understanding the connections between women’s lived experiences and its implications on mental health risks. The article suggests that our existing culture which sexually objectifies women, has led to women and girls to disproportionately experience mental health risks such as eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, and unipolar depression. Therefore, this theory may be used to influence social change, to challenge the meanings assigned to women through cultural practices and associations.
Gray, Tonia, “ The “F” word: Feminism in outdoor education,” Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education 19, no. 2 (2016): 25-4. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2021.1961091.
The objective of this article is to provide a critical analysis of the patterns of biases experienced by women in outdoor education. By doing so, Gray sheds light to how women are being erased (potentially unintentionally), by gender washing associated with within the cultural and social inequalities of outdoor education. The article concludes by illustrating 9 key reasons for gender differences that continue to persist within the industry.
“Ecofeminism on the green fuse,” The green fuse. Accessed July 20, 2024. http://www.thegreenfuse.org/ecofem.htm.
This article highlights the interconnections between Ecofeminism, Patriarchal dualism, Essentialism, and Spirituality as means to analyze social world phenomena such as sexism, racism, class exploitation, and degradation of the natural world. By highlighting the relationship between ecofeminism and the natural world, one may recognize how fundamentally connected the two are. Therefore, navigating environmental injustices in society will be a critical tool to overcome women's oppression.
Hornibrook, Taflyn, Elaine Brinkert, Diana Parry, Renita Seimens, Denise Mitten, and Simon Priest, “The benefit and motivations of all women outdoor programs,” The Journal of Experiential Education 20, no.3 (1997): 152-159, https://doi.org/10.1177/105382599702000307.
This article discusses the research done by Hornibrook and colleagues, investigating the benefits and motivations associated with womens outdoor experiences. By doing so, practitioners can construct and implement programs that are appropriate and representative of women's desires and motivations of outdoor recreation.
Kennedy, Jay and Russell Constance, “Hegemonic masculinity in outdoor education,” Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 21, no. 2. (2021):162-171. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2020.1755706.
Kennedy and Constance’s article highlights existing research on hegemonic and alternative masculinities in outdoor education, indicating how existing conditions have continued to support the value systems of hegemonic masculinity. However, the authors suggest 3 tools to aid in cultivating conditions for diverse gender expression and gender equity in outdoor learning environments. By expliciting referencing the challenges associated with these gendered structures in early academic years, and in addition to increasing performances of alternative masculinities in outdoor educational settings will aid in navigating this phenomenon.
Kiewa, Jackie, “Body Satisfaction and Competence: Hand and Glove?” Social Alternatives 15, no. 2 (1996): 7-10. https://doi.org/10.1353/roe.2017.0002.
This article begins by investigating the implications of dominating philosophy of mind/body dualism on gendered roles, perspectives and expectations for men and women. Consequently the author goes to further express how women's perceptions of themselves, body and appearance can be positively affected by outdoor recreational experiences, which provide women with a higher sense of satisfaction of self esteem, worth and competence
Mcdermott, Lisa. “ Exploring intersections of physicality and female-only canoeing experiences.” Leisure Studies 23, no. 3 (2004): 283-301. https://doi.org/10.1080/0261436042000253039.
Mcdermott’s article qualitatively examines the unique physical and social experiences experienced by women in female-only canoeing activities. Research found that these experiences which physically challenge women have led to increased sense of empowerment and heightened sense of awareness of physical capabilities which has fostered a deeper connection within themselves and the natural world. These excursions provided a safe and supportive environment for women to freely express themselves, combate stereotypical norms, create a sense of community and mutual support amongst women participants. Illustrating the physical and emotional benefits from female-only leisure activities.
Mitten, Denise. “Ethical Considerations in Adventure Therapy: A Feminist Critique.” Wilderness Therapy For Women: The Power of Adventure 15, no. 3-4 (1994): 55-84. https://doi.org/10.1300/J015v15n03_06.
In this issue, Denise Mitten addresses the inconclusive research done on the effectiveness and therapeutic value of adventure trips for women. She further explores the patriarchal roots of adventure trips and how these principles are now being applied to women. She presents a model that she believes recognizes women’s strength, needs, and the power difference between the leader/therapist and the client.
Mitten, Denise, Sara Woodruff. “The Impact of Short Term Adventure Experiences on Body Image Perceptions of Women over 40.” Journal of Experiential Education 32, no. 3 (2010): 322-326. https://doi.org/10.1177/105382590903200320.
Mitten and Woodruff’s article discusses their study, in which they obtained qualitative and quantitative data regarding the impact of adventure experiences on the perception of oneself for women over 40. Results showed that there was a positive correlation between women's participation in outdoor adventure experiences and their perceptions of their own bodies, leading to increased awareness of own bodily effectiveness, amplified cognizance of the importance of being both physically effective and attractive.
Pohl, Sarah L., William T. Borrie and Micheal E. Patterson, “Women, Wilderness, and Everyday Life: A Documentation of the Connection between Wilderness Recreation and Women’s Everyday Lives,” Journal of Leisure Research 32, no. 4 (2000): 415-434. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2000.11949925.
Qualitative data collected from 24 women with wilderness experience was analyzed to uncover the positive outcomes of wilderness recreation for women and its beneficial applications to everyday life. Outcomes from recreational experiences in the natural world can result in heightened sense of empowerment, change in perspectives, mental clarity, and a sense of accomplishment in women. These changes provoke individuals to participate in enacting social change, transforming modes of communication of the social world and alter our perceptions of desirable human qualities.
Whittington, Anja. “Girls in the Woods: Exploring the Impact of a Wilderness Program on Adolescent Girls’ Constructions of Femininity.” Journal of Experiential Education 28, no. 3 (2006): 285-289. https://doi.org/10.1177/105382590602800317.
Whittington’s research aims achieve 4 main goals, 1) add girl’s voices to the research being done regarding female-only programs, 2) expand research on girl’s development, 3) Examine the impact of adolescent girl’s notions of femininity following participation in wilderness programs, and 4) expand research being done on lower class girl’s perceptions of femininity after participation outdoor programs. Findings concluded that girl’s participation challenges traditional notions of femininity, promoting feelings of perseverance, strength and determination, in addition to positive induced changes in individual perceptions and abilities.