Gender a výzkum / Gender and Research 2007, 8 (1): 16-24

Marginalization, Representation and Identity of the Subjected in the Context of Contemporary Indian Society

Blanka Knotková-Čapková

The Indian society is "in-between" tradition and modernity. Religious archetypes and subsequent social and gender stereotypes prevail in many respects but they are in a process of dynamic changes. Conceptualizing identity still faces the shadow of the colonial heritage. An independent national discourse may not, however, always overcome marginalization inside the society, both the gender and ethnic ones. Some Indian feminists do not see Hinduism as a religion principally subjecting women; they stress the tradition of a strong female element in mythology and its appeal on community solidarity and sharing. Others rather strive for secularism, often connecting feminism with a political left (namely in Bengal). The law in the Indian Republic forbids any form of discrimination. Each group has a legitimate right for a political representation. But who will represent and be listened to is mostly a matter of the power decision (see G. C. Spivak and C. T. Mohanty). As Spivak maintains, a basic prerequisite for removing discriminations of the marginalized is the cooperation on creating a space, where the subaltern can themselves articulate their voice.

Keywords: India, identity, power

Published: March 1, 2007  Show citation

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Knotková-Čapková, Blanka. 2007. "Marginalization, Representation and Identity of the Subjected in the Context of Contemporary Indian Society." Gender, Equal Opportunities, Research 8(1):16-24.
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