Ecocritical extraction analysis: A method for studying resource exploitation and environmental justice in literature

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for analyzing how literature portrays human exploitation of nature and environmental justice issues.

Contribution

The paper introduces Ecocritical Extraction Analysis (EEA), a novel framework for studying literary depictions of resource extraction and environmental justice.

Findings

76% of analyzed texts critique extractivist economies.

64% of texts depict resistance movements against environmental exploitation.

Abstract

The increasing urgency of environmental crises necessitates innovative methodologies for analyzing literary representations of human exploitation of nature. This article introduces Ecocritical Extraction Analysis (EEA), a structured framework for studying literary depictions of resource extraction, ecological degradation, and human-nature power dynamics. EEA consists of three analytical steps: (1) Extraction Mapping, identifying instances of environmental exploitation and their socio-political context; (2) Human-Nature Power Structures, examining how texts construct hierarchies between humans, nature, and resource control; and (3) Resistance and Collapse Trajectories, tracing literary representations of environmental resistance, sustainability, or collapse. By applying this replicable method to literary texts, EEA provides scholars with a systematic tool to explore extractivism, climate narratives, and environmental justice in literature- revealed that 76% of texts critique extractivist economies, while 64% depict resistance movements. These findings validate EEA’s applicability and originality in bridging literary analysis with environmental justice frameworks, making it a valuable tool for contemporary ecocritical research.•Introduces Ecocritical Extraction Analysis (EEA) as a novel literary method.•Provides a structured approach to studying extractivist narratives and power hierarchies.•Enhances interdisciplinary ecocritical research in climate literature and environmental justice.

Introduces Ecocritical Extraction Analysis (EEA) as a novel literary method.

Provides a structured approach to studying extractivist narratives and power hierarchies.

Enhances interdisciplinary ecocritical research in climate literature and environmental justice.

Image, graphical abstract

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