Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak

Postcolonial Theory

A field of study that examines the effects of colonialism on cultures and societies, focusing on issues of power, identity, and representation.

Subaltern

Colonial subjects who are socially, politically, and geographically excluded from the hierarchy of power in a colonial state.

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak

An Indian scholar and feminist critic, known for her influential work in postcolonial theory, particularly her essay 'Can the Subaltern Speak?'

Politics of Representation

The issue regarding who has the authority to speak for marginalized groups and how their voices are represented.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, often denied to subaltern peoples.

“The subaltern cannot speak.”

A famous line by Spivak highlighting the difficulty of marginalized voices being heard in public discourse.

“White men are saving brown women from brown men.”

Spivak's critique of the narrative that positions Western intervention as benevolent in addressing the plight of women in colonized societies.

Who coined the term 'subaltern' in its postcolonial context?

The term was popularized by the Italian Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci.

How does the concept of subaltern relate to representation?

Subaltern groups often lack representation in political and social narratives, leading to their voices being muted.

Can subaltern groups represent themselves?

While they can, the term suggests that their ability to speak for themselves is often impeded by systemic power structures.

Why are subaltern voices considered important in postcolonial discourse?

They challenge dominant narratives and provide insights into the complexities of identity, culture, and power.

What challenges do subalterns face in expressing their narratives?

They encounter systemic obstacles such as socio-political exclusion, economic disadvantage, and cultural erasure.