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New Research Explores Gender Perspectives in the Circular Economy

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The circular economy (CE) shifts away from the traditional linear model by focusing on resource efficiency, recycling, and regeneration, but the role of gender in CE practices remains underexplored. A new review article by Jenny Palm, Daniela Lazoroska, Melanie Valencia (KU Leuven), Nancy Bocken and Karolina Södergren examines the intersection of gender and the circular economy (CE).

Published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, the article titled “A Gender Perspective on the Circular Economy: A Literature Review and Research Agenda” delves into how gender dynamics influence CE practices and policies. The study identifies significant gender disparities, particularly in labor distribution, decision-making, and access to resources, where women are often underrepresented in high-value CE roles. The researchers argue that integrating gender perspectives is essential for ensuring socially sustainable and inclusive CE strategies, as women’s contributions, often overlooked, are crucial to achieving true circularity.

The study sets a new research agenda, calling for inclusive policies that address gender inequalities and promote equity within CE systems. 

The full article can be accessed here.