Interpreting Experiences: The Missing Link of Intersectionality in the Lives of Dalit Women
Abstract:
Feminism propounds equality of men and women; the crux of this theory is
engraved in the notion that both men and women are entitled to similar
opportunities and rights in every walk of life. Another aspect of feminism deals
with the opposition to patriarchy, a social institution which instils dominance of
men over women. The social institution of patriarchy had often enabled in many
cases the discrimination and exploitation of women. With the unfolding of time,
feminism as a theory has evolved and broadened its horizon. Intersectionality is a
theoretical framework that had gained popularity within the horizons of feminism
in the 1990s. Introduced by Crenshaw, Intersectionality envisions taking into
account multiple perspectives along with Gender like Caste, Class, Race or others
when dealing with discrimination against women.
The lowermost, most discriminated against and oppressed caste of India is the
Dalit. In spite of the presence of the legal framework, discrimination and
exploitation is the harsh truth of a Dalit’s life. And this truth resonates in the life of
Dalit woman. The oppression and discrimination that a Dalit woman has to face in
India is very complex in nature and consists of multiple dimensions. This paper
tries to apply the lens of intersectionality in order to contextualise and analyse the
discrimination faced by a Dalit woman in India.At the same time it tries to get
behind the several aspects within the discrimination and oppression of a Dalit
woman that makes application of an intersectionality lens necessary.
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