subalterno

Subalterno is a term originating from Italian, meaning "subordinate" or "lower in rank." In broader usage, it refers to individuals or groups who are marginalized and disempowered within a social hierarchy. This concept has been significantly developed in postcolonial studies, particularly by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. Spivak used the term to describe those who lack access to dominant systems of representation and power, making their voices and experiences difficult to articulate and acknowledge.

The subaltern are often those who are oppressed by intersecting forces such as class, caste, gender, ethnicity, and colonial history. Their agency and subjectivity are frequently suppressed by dominant narratives and structures. The challenge in understanding the subaltern lies in the difficulty of accessing their perspectives directly, as they are often silenced or misrepresented by the very systems that oppress them.

The study of the subaltern aims to uncover and amplify the experiences of these marginalized groups, questioning dominant historical accounts and societal assumptions. It involves analyzing how power operates to create and maintain hierarchies of subordination and how resistance can emerge from these seemingly powerless positions. The term is crucial for understanding social inequalities and working towards more inclusive and equitable societies.