subalterniteetti

Subalterniteetti is a term originating from the work of Antonio Gramsci, referring to the social, cultural, and political exclusion and marginalization of certain groups within a society. It describes the condition of those who are subordinate and lack the power to define their own experiences or represent themselves within the dominant discourse. These groups, often defined by class, caste, gender, ethnicity, or other social markers, find their voices suppressed and their perspectives ignored by the ruling elite.

Gramsci's concept of subalternity is deeply intertwined with his theories of hegemony, which explains how dominant classes maintain their power not just through force, but through the manufacturing of consent and the establishment of their worldview as the common sense. Subaltern groups, by definition, exist outside of this hegemonic consensus, often experiencing oppression in ways that are not recognized or understood by those in power. Their history is frequently unwritten or distorted, and their struggles are rendered invisible.

Understanding subalterniteetti involves recognizing the power dynamics that create and perpetuate marginalization. It highlights the importance of giving voice to the voiceless and challenging dominant narratives that silence or misrepresent subordinate populations. The study of subalternity seeks to uncover the hidden histories and experiences of these groups and to understand the mechanisms through which their exclusion is maintained and potentially overcome.