Fundamental to relational feminist ethics is an analysis of the roots of oppression. Grounded in women's experience this analysis leads to the feminist concern to argue for, and work towards, the equality of women in society. This analysis, while arguing for the equality of women, does not seek to solely add women and their experiences to the process of doing ethics, but rather seeks to weave together tradition and experience in ways that change both the content and the foundations of ethics. Furthermore, the analysis of the roots of oppression in feminist thought has led to an understanding of the interstructuring of all oppression.

Drawing on eco-feminist thought, relational feminism seeks broad understandings of the world and its essential interconnectedness. This is a complex and difficult task as justice for one oppressed group often leads to injustice for another as in conflicts between environmentalists and loggers.