Episode 99: Martin Hultman on misogyny and masculinities on climate change denial

On this episode of the en(gender)ed podcast, our guest is Martin Hultman, Associate Professor in Science, Technology and Environmental Studies at the Department of Technology Management & Economics at Chalmers University in Sweden.  Martin’s research focuses on the influence of extremist views such as sexism and  far-right nationalism on climate change denial.  His latest book with Paul M. Pulé, Ecological Masculinities, chronicles the political landscape that has shaped the industrial breadwinner and eco-modern archetypes of masculinity, both fueled by misogyny, and their proposed ecological masculinity as a response that centers science, fact, and reason and a respect for nature.  Our conversation with Martin will explore ways in which a response to addressing our climate crisis and, in particular, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, will require that we, as a society, address how we socialize boys and men if we are to save ourselves and our planet from mutual and guaranteed destruction.

During our conversation, Martin and I referenced the following resources and topics:

• The difference between the different archetypes of masculinity including "the industrial breadwinner,"  the "ecomodern male" and the "conservative white male effect" and its impact on climate change denial
• An explanation of "incels" or a type of masculinity and group of men who call themselves "involuntary celibate"
• How Martin's work fits into the "ecofeminism" conversation
• The work of environmental historians like Carolyn Merchant and her book, The Death of Nature
• The definition of "hegemonic masculinity" and its role in climate change denial
• Our interview with Laura Ramirez on prostitution and approaches to reduce or prevent harm that parallel our approach to fossil fuel emissions and climate change
• How female climate activists are often the target of verbal and physical attacks and threats
• The groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson and threats and attacks directed toward her after the book's publishing
• The influence of young climate activists like Greta Thunberg and the efforts to discredit and disempower her
• The relevance of Swedish laws on sexual consent and its impact on climate activism through the "rights of nature" movement

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