Subaltern theory| Malayalam Explanation

Key Concepts

Subaltern: Colonial populations excluded from the power hierarchy of an empire.
Cultural Hegemony: Dominance of a ruling class's ideas and values, accepted by society.
Agency: The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own free choices.
Postcolonialism: Academic discipline analyzing the legacy of colonialism and imperialism.
Neoliberalism: Economic policies promoting deregulation, privatization, and free trade.
Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries.
Subaltern Cosmopolitanism: Counter-hegemonic practices against neoliberalism and globalization.
Cosmopolitan Legality: Framework of diverse governance to realize equality of difference.
Binary Opposition: A pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning.
Orientalism: A Western perspective that essentializes and exoticizes Eastern cultures.

Definition and Origin of the Term "Subaltern"

The term "subaltern" in postcolonial studies and critical theory refers to colonial populations excluded from the power structures of an imperial colony and its metropolitan homeland. Antonio Gramsci first coined the term to describe cultural hegemony, which excludes specific people and social groups from socioeconomic institutions, denying their agency and voice in colonial politics. The Subaltern Studies Group of historians further popularized the term by exploring the political roles of common people, rather than focusing solely on the elite in Indian history.

Who is the Subaltern?

The subaltern describes the lower social classes and other social groups marginalized in an imperial colony. A subaltern is a native individual, man or woman, who lacks human agency as defined by their social status. Gramsci initially used "subaltern" as a synonym for the proletariat, but contemporary evidence suggests it was a novel concept in his political theory. Homi K. Bhabha emphasizes the importance of social power relations in defining subaltern groups as oppressed racial minorities whose social pressure is crucial to the self-definition of the majority group. Subaltern groups can subvert the authority of hegemonic power structures.

Subaltern Cosmopolitanism and Globalization

Boaventura de Sousa Santos applied the term "subaltern cosmopolitanism" to describe counter-hegemonic struggles against neoliberalism and globalization, particularly against social exclusion. He uses "subaltern cosmopolitanism" interchangeably with "cosmopolitan legality," which refers to a framework of diverse governance aimed at achieving equality of difference. In this context, the subaltern represents oppressed people at the margins of society who are fighting against the hegemony of economic globalization.

Contextualizing the Subaltern

Context, time, and place determine who is considered a subaltern. In India, women, Sudras, Dalits (Untouchables), and rural migrant laborers are part of the subaltern social strata. The Varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) represent a hierarchical social structure, with Dalits historically known as "Untouchables" facing severe marginalization.

Subaltern Theory and Postcolonialism

Subaltern theory emerged in the postcolonial age as a response to binary oppositions, such as the "Occident" (West) and "Orient" (East), where power is typically attributed to the Occident. Postcolonialism and postmodern studies have contributed to the popularization of subaltern theory. The concept remains relevant because power relations and marginalization persist in contemporary society.

Conclusion

The theory of the subaltern provides a framework for understanding and addressing the marginalization of specific groups within society. By examining the historical and contemporary contexts of power relations, subaltern studies offer insights into the struggles against hegemony and the pursuit of social justice. The concept of the subaltern remains relevant in the postmodern age due to the continued existence of power imbalances and social exclusion.