Dalit Feminist Theory: A Reader

by Sunaina Arya and Aakash Singh Rathore, Aakash Singh Rathore

Dalit Feminist Theory: A Reader radically redefines feminism by introducing the category of Dalit into the core of feminist thought. It supplements feminism by adding caste to its study and praxis; it also re-examines and re-thinks Indian feminism by replacing it with a new paradigm, namely that caste-based feminist inquiry offers the only theoretical vantage point for comprehensively addressing gender-based injustices.

Drawing on a variety of disciplines, the essays in the volume discuss key themes such as Indian Feminism versus Dalit Feminism; the emerging concept of Dalit patriarchy; the predecessors of Dalit feminism, such as Phule and Ambedkar; the meaning and value of lived experience; the concept of Difference; the analogical relationship between black feminism and Dalit feminism; the Intersectionality debate; and, the theory-versus-experience debate. They also provide a conceptual, historical, empirical and philosophical understanding of feminism in India today.

Accessible, essential and ingenious in its approach, this book is for students, teachers, specialist scholars as well as activists and the interested general reader. It will be indispensable for those engaged in gender studies, women's studies, sociology of caste, political science and political theory, philosophy and feminism, Ambedkar studies, and anyone working in areas of caste, class or gender-based discrimination, exclusion, and inequality. 　　　

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, India, Politics, Academic, Social Justice

262 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[Jadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was tough. I consider(ed) myself modestly informed (as a Westerner) when it comes to Indian history, especially with regard to caste discrimination and Dalit liberation movements. But this reader really challenged my knowledge. It's likely that I'm not a part of the intended audience, but I found myself quickly lost about a third of the way in with casual references to history with which I was not familiar.

I did take away some key points and valuable perspectives, but overall this was incredibly dense, academic, and sometimes a real struggle to get through. Some of that is down to me not being prepared to read something of this nature, but part of it is definitely due to heavy-handed writing (some of which may be to do with translation?) This is in need of some pretty liberal editing, which would make the effect of the overall text tighter and more comprehensible.

This was really probably more of a 2-2.5 for me, but I rounded up because I figured a more thorough knowledge of Indian political history would have made for a somewhat better experience.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly recommend