subalternus

Subalternus is a Latin adjective meaning "lower" or "inferior." In its original Roman context, it could refer to something physically situated beneath another, such as a lower story of a building or a subordinate position in a military formation. It also carried connotations of being of lesser rank or status within a social hierarchy.

The term gained significant theoretical importance in the late 20th century through the work of Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, who adapted and popularized the concept of the "subaltern" in postcolonial studies. In this context, the subaltern refers to marginalized groups or individuals who are excluded from dominant power structures and whose voices are often silenced or unrepresented. This can include, but is not limited to, peasants, indigenous peoples, women, and the working poor within a given society.

Spivak's seminal essay, "Can the Subaltern Speak?", explores the difficulties inherent in representing the subaltern, questioning whether their experiences can ever be authentically conveyed through dominant discourse. The concept of the subaltern continues to be a crucial analytical tool for understanding power dynamics, social inequality, and the complexities of representation in various academic fields, including sociology, anthropology, and literary criticism. It highlights the challenges of giving voice to those who are systematically excluded from public discourse and the political sphere.