Naturism’s Future: Learning from Feminism
For decades, naturism has been defined narrowly by its commitment to non-sexual nudity, harmony with nature and principles of respect. Yet, as a global movement, naturism faces pressing challenges: outdated governance structures, a lack of inclusivity and a disconnect from its historical and cultural roots. By comparing naturism’s evolution to the journey of feminism, we can find a forest trail for revitalising the movement. Feminism’s success in adapting to modern challenges, embracing intersectionality and decentralising its structures offers valuable lessons for naturism. Here’s how:
1. Recognizing Naturism’s “Waves”:
Feminism is well understood to have evolved through multiple “waves”, each addressing specific societal issues:
• First Wave fought for legal rights like suffrage.
• Second Wave expanded to gender equality, reproductive rights, and societal norms.
• Third Wave introduced intersectionality, celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
• Fourth Wave brought digital activism and a focus on systemic oppression.
Naturism, too, has distinct phases:
• Early Naturism arose in the 19th century as a reaction to industrialisation, emphasising health, nature and the human body.
• Mid-20th Century Naturism became a structured movement, promoting communal nudity and nature-focused lifestyles.
• Modern Naturism (or what it could become) must now address global inclusion, colonial legacies, environmental justice and personal autonomy.
Acknowledging waves in ocean might help naturism embrace its historical depth and prepare for future.
2. Embracing Intersectionality
Intersectionality—feminism’s understanding that gender intersects with race, class, sexuality, and other identities—has transformed it into a more inclusive and globally relevant movement. Naturism can adopt a similar lens! For example:
Colonial Histories, Herstories and Theystories: Naturism often ignores indigenous traditions of non-sexual nudity disrupted by colonialism. By honouring these practices, naturism can expand its cultural relevance.
Patriarchal Structures: Naturism must confront how gender dynamics influence participation and leadership within the movement.
Economic Inequality: Naturism can examine how its spaces and memberships are often inaccessible to marginalised communities, reinforcing exclusivity.
Adopting intersectionality would allow naturism to engage with broader social, cultural and historical contexts, making the movement richer and more inclusive.
3. Decentralising Power
Whilst feminism thrives as a decentralised movement driven by grassroots activism, naturism remains tied to hierarchical structures like INF-FNI (International Naturist Federation). INF-FNI collects substantial annual fees—reportedly around €500,000—but communicates only with national federations, not individual naturists.
This lack of direct accountability creates:
• Alienation: Individual naturists feel disconnected from the global movement they fund.
• Power Imbalances: National federations act as gatekeepers, potentially stifling diverse voices.
Naturism can take inspiration from feminism’s decentralised model, empowering individuals and grassroots groups to lead the movement in their regions whilst fostering a global sense of community.
4. Expanding Definitions
Feminism has thrived by embracing diversity within its movement—liberal feminism, radical feminism, ecofeminism, intersectional feminism, and more. Naturism, by contrast, has clung to a narrow definition (cited as agreed in 1974, by a meeting at what has since become famous as ‘World’s Capital for Swingers” - Cap d’Agde):
| “Naturism means a way of life in harmony with nature, characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment.” |
This pathetic definition (more than 50 years old):
Ignores naturism’s roots as a universal human phenomenon practiced by indigenous peoples before colonial disruption.
Excludes diverse interpretations of naturism, such as urban naturism, spiritual naturism or ecological naturism.
Uses ambiguous terms like “respect for others” which can easily be misused to enforce deference to authority rather than fostering mutual understanding.
Naturism must adopt broader, inclusive definitions that reflect its historical depth, cultural diversity and philosophical potential.
5. Promoting Transparency and Accountability
INF-FNI lacks transparency in governance and financial practices. Individual naturists may believe their membership fees support global advocacy for naturism, yet INF-FNI provides little visibility into how funds are used. Feminism offers alternatives: grassroots-driven funding models and public accountability. INF-FNI may mainly survive by corporate sponsorship, not really consistent with its legal structure (a non-profit association in Austria). INF-FNI could introduce policies to enhance credibility, e.g:
Publish Annual Reports: Detailing how fees are used to support advocacy, events and emerging federations.
Engage with Members Directly: Creating digital platforms to connect individual naturists with INF-FNI and other global wankers.
Introduce Independent Oversight: Establishing advisory councils to ensure financial and organisational transparency.
Simultaneously and/or alternatively, INF-FNI could reach out to Athena’s International Outreach Network and forward-thinking feminist organisations.
6. Becoming a Movement of Ideas
Feminism is more than activism—it’s a philosophy that critiques power, challenges norms and envisions equality. Naturism has similar philosophical potential but often frames itself narrowly as a “lifestyle” or a “fun vacation activity”. Naturism can reclaim its role as a philosophical movement by addressing:
Environmental Justice: Advocating for harmony with nature as a counterpoint to AI overreach.
Bodily Freedom: Challenging societal taboos about nudity as tools of control.
Cultural Decolonisation: Celebrating naturism’s global diversity and rejecting Eurocentric narratives.
7. A Path Forward
To ensure naturism’s relevance in 21st century, the movement must:
Acknowledge waves of evolution (not just waves in the sea) and adapt to new challenges.
Embrace intersectionality, recognising diverse identities, histories and herstories of naturists worldwide.
Decentralise power to empower individuals and grassroots groups.
Redefine itself to include multiple interpretations of naturism.
Demand transparency and accountability from organisations such as INF-FNI.
Reclaim philosophical roots, aligning naturism with broader social and environmental movements.
Conclusion
Naturism, like feminism, is more than a movement—it’s a vision of how humans can live authentically, harmoniously and inclusively. By learning from feminism’s evolution, naturism can become a dynamic force that inspires people around the world to challenge societal norms, connect with nature and celebrate freedom. Let’s build a naturist movement that reflects our values, embraces diversity and leads boldly into the future.