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Jenny Palm

Jenny Palm

Head of department

Jenny Palm

A gender perspective on the circular economy – a literature review and research agenda

Author

  • Jenny Palm
  • Daniela Lazoroska
  • Melanie Valencia
  • Nancy Bocken
  • Karolina Södergren

Summary, in English

The circular economy (CE) challenges the traditional linear economic model by emphasizing the importance of resource efficiency, recycling, and regeneration in society. However, the role of gender in CE practices remains underexplored. This article presents a systematic literature review on how gender dynamics intersect with CE, highlighting the implications of gendered labor distribution, access to resources, and decision-making processes. Women, often pivotal in household and community resource management, are underrepresented in policy and research. Gender perspectives are therefore crucial for addressing social, environmental, and justice dimensions within CE. The study employs the lens of care labor to reveal power imbalances and the exclusion of marginalized groups, advocating for inclusive policies to achieve socially sustainable and equitable CE futures. The review identifies the overrepresentation of women in undervalued, informal activities and the dominance of men in highly valued, technologically advanced CE roles. It also underscores the benefits of gender diversity in corporate governance, which enhances sustainability practices. The article calls for a deeper examination of gender's impact on CE, suggesting a research agenda to integrate gender perspectives, enhance CE effectiveness, and promote equity. The findings indicate that addressing gender inequalities in CE is essential to prevent replicating the shortcomings of the linear economy and to foster innovative, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Department/s

  • The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics

Publishing year

2024-10-08

Language

English

Publication/Series

Journal of Industrial Ecology

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

MIT Press

Topic

  • Gender Studies
  • Other Social Sciences

Keywords

  • care labor
  • circular economy
  • gender
  • industrial ecology
  • literature review
  • resource efficiency

Status

Published

Project

  • Women in power: peer networking and collectivization towards diversity and inclusion in the Swedish energy sector
  • Smart symbiosis - collaboration for common resource flows

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1530-9290