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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