Oppressive Forces Research Articles

HUMAN EXPLOITATION IN ARAVIND ADIGA’S NOVEL THE WHITE TIGER

Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger explores the stark social disparities between the wealthy and impoverished in India, illustrating how systemic poverty perpetuates marginalization. The protagonist, Balram Halwai, narrates his journey from a lower-caste background to becoming a self-made, successful individual in India. Balram's story is not just one of personal ambition but also of navigating a rigidly stratified society. This study addresses two primary issues: the exploitation Balram endures due to his socioeconomic status; and his strategic actions are to attain freedom from the oppressive forces in his life. Using a library research method, the study integrates secondary sources, including books and articles, to deepen the analysis of the novel. Employing a psychological approach, this study examines the psychological complexities of Balram’s character, supported by theories on character development, data credibility, theoretical triangulation, and reliability. Balram is depicted as an astute yet morally ambiguous character, exhibiting selfishness, cunning, irresponsibility, dishonesty, and a lack of remorse. The analysis reveals how his behaviors and attitudes—such as detachment from others and deviant tendencies—are shaped by his environment. India’s entrenched caste system underpins various social issues in the novel, including poverty, unemployment, corruption in education, inadequate healthcare, exploitation, discrimination, and the persistence of hierarchical master-servant relationships. These factors collectively influence Balram’s psychological development, and shape him into a figure both reflective and critical of the society he navigates.

The Dual‐Edged State Paradox: Fighting for Justice When the State is Unreliable

Sociological theories of collective resistance offer insights into how communities mobilize against oppression but often overlook the complexities when the state, an entity relied upon for justice, also acts as an agent of betrayal. Based on 8 years of ethnographic research in Palermo (2016–2024), this study examines the relationship between Sicilian activists and the state, shaped by the dual forces of mafia oppression and state complicity. The present research explores how activists navigate the complexities of collective trauma rooted in state complicity, while simultaneously relying on parts of the state as indispensable allies in their fight for justice. The study introduces the “Dual‐Edged State Paradox,” as a novel framework that captures this contradictory relationship. To navigate the paradox, activists adopt two key strategies: ‘fragmented trust dynamics’ and ‘layered collective resistance’. These strategies illustrate how activists continually recalibrate trust and engage in multi‐layered resistance, adjusting their approach to balance public protest with collaboration based on the positioning of different state actors. This research contributes to our sociological knowledge on collective action, particularly in settings where activists grapple with both external violence of non‐state actors and internal betrayal from the state apparatus.

The “vast gilded void” of Leisure: Energy and Work in The House of Mirth

Abstract Inspired by energy humanities, this article frames The House of Mirth (1905) as a novel with deep understanding of energy and labor. This article analyzes how Wharton effectively borrows from thermodynamic theories like entropy and inertia to juxtapose Lily Bart’s precarity with the elite. Against this inert milieu backdrop, Lily stands out as an energetic, if exhausted, worker. Reframed, her social status decline is a depletion of energy resulting from gendered labor. This highlights Wharton’s effective critique as her literalization of the effects of oppressive forces through work terminology and energy metaphors that portray the embodied, physic, exhaustive effects of exploitative conditions.

The Maya Train: Infrastructure and Racial Capitalism in Southeast Mexico

AbstractIn this paper, I illustrate the interplay between infrastructure and racialised differentiation through the case of the Maya Train—a contentious megaproject aimed at constructing 1,554 km of rail tracks across southeast Mexico, led by the López Obrador federal administration. Drawing on an analysis of narratives produced by the state, I argue that the Maya Train sustains and reproduces racial capitalism. The argument is developed by putting Gargi Bhattacharyya's and Nancy Fraser's understanding of the racial capitalism framework in conversation with Mónica Moreno Figueroa's conceptualisation of mestizaje. I show how the Maya Train functions as a project of mestizaje by promising homage, social justice, and development while also acting as a homogenising and oppressive force. The racialising practices embedded in the megaproject reproduce and extend colonial legacies in a heartland of expropriation and are transformed into materiality through the power of the state.

조지 엘리엇의 『대니얼 데론다』에 나타난 여성 제국주의자의 지배 욕망과 대안적 제국

This paper argues that George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda highlights the intricate connection between Gwendolen Harleth’s narrative and Daniel Deronda’s narrative from an imperialistic perspective, focusing specifically on Gwendolen’s hysterical desire for dominance. Gwendolen harbors a deep-seated longing for control over the East, yet her ambitions are thwarted by the societal constraints of the time, which confine women to the role of the ‘angel in the house’. This frustration leads her to experience hysteria. Additionally, Gwendolen feels a profound moral revulsion toward her husband, Henleigh Grandcourt, who symbolizes the violent and oppressive forces of empire. In contrast, she implicitly supports Deronda’s morally upright vision of constructing a Jewish nation, thereby embracing a more benevolent model of imperial governance. Thus, this study concludes that, through the portrayal of Gwendolen as embodying imperialist desires and subtly endorsing the expansion of empire, Eliot reveals her deep entanglement with the imperialist discourse of her time.

Evaluating the Dear MD to Be Podcast as an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion resource: a cross-sectional survey analysis

Background: Equity-deserving groups are communities marginalized from institutional power by oppressive forces (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism). Dear MD to Be is a medical-student-led podcast created to interview physicians of intersectional backgrounds about their institutional experience. This study aims to evaluate the podcast as a tool for knowledge, mentorship, and psychological safety for equity-deserving listeners. Methods: Between February and March 2022, we recruited medical students across all levels of training from English-speaking Canadian medical schools using email listservs and social media. We disseminated a cross-sectional questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge gained from podcast engagement, attitudes towards podcasts as a tool for mentorship, and psychological/emotional gains from the podcast content. We conducted descriptive and frequency analyses of quantitative data and applied thematic analysis to qualitative data. Results: Thirty-eight individuals completed the entire survey from all levels of training, with 97% self-identifying with at least one equity-deserving group. 100% agreed that the Dear MD to Be podcast was an accessible form of mentorship; participants appreciated self-pacing mentorship and interacting with many narratives. Listeners gleaned lessons about wellness, advocacy work, allyship, cultural imposter syndrome, and navigating discrimination. Furthermore, most listeners felt represented, empowered, and legitimized by podcast content. Conclusions: Podcasts can serve as a medium for accessible equity-centred mentorship. By disseminating multiple underrepresented narratives in medicine, the Dear MD to Be podcast serves as a source of EDI knowledge while contributing to learner safety.

Examining the Refugee Identity and the Ethics of Hospitality in Richard Powers’ Generosity (2009)

ABSTRACT Richard Powers’ (2009) Generosity delves into the pursuit of the elusive “happiness gene” and its associated bioethical dilemmas. The narrative centres on Thassadit, an Algerian refugee in the USA, whose profound happiness contrasts with her traumatic past in post-colonial Algeria. This analysis argues that Thassa is not recognized as an individual but is instead defined by preconceived notions of refugee identity and becomes an object of scrutiny for scientists and media grappling with the paradox of post-colonial trauma and happiness. Employing a critical post-colonial lens, the study explores the portrayal of the “stranger” and associated stereotypes, the roles of the colonial and scientific gazes, and finally, the construction of the refugee identity in relation to Derrida’s ethics of hospitality. It examines identity construction through narratives of labelling, fixity, and belonging, exposing the intertwined neocolonial gaze, biased scientific discourse, and media sensationalism as oppressive forces that mutually reinforce orientalist and objectifying practices.

Exploring Female Agency in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s By the Sea: A Postcolonial Feminist Analysis

This study examines the portrayal of female agency in post-independence Zanzibar, as depicted in Abdulrazak Gurnah's novel By the Sea. Specifically focusing on the characters Asha, Bi Sara, and Bi Maryam, the study employs Gayatri Spivak's theoretical framework to analyze the interactions and responses of these characters in the face of oppressive forces and marginalization. The research sheds light on how these female characters navigate power dynamics, confront their lower social status, and resist oppression through nuanced strategies, particularly using silence. Through a detailed exploration of the characters' experiences, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the agency and resilience of marginalized women in colonial settings. Ultimately, this research aims to underscore the significance of silence as a tool for resistance and endurance, highlighting its role in challenging prevailing narratives and advocating for women's rights in postcolonial contexts. Keywords: Abdulrazak Gurnah, colonialism, female agency, postcolonialfeminism, Patriarchy

"Empowerment for Us by Us (E4UBU)": Developing a Model of Empowerment Using Feminist Participatory Methods with LBQT+ Persons Assigned Female at Birth in Western Kenya.

Lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans and other gender diverse persons assigned female at birth (heretofore referred to as "LBQT+ persons") in Western Kenya experience intersectional oppression and stigma. This stigma can manifest in acts of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and sexual and gender minority (SGM)-based violence, as well as various forms of discrimination-all of which have been linked to disproportionately higher levels of negative health outcomes for this group. Despite these challenges, many LBQT+ persons have been able to gain personal and collective power and thrive in this oppressive environment. The Empowerment for Us by Us (E4UBU) project is a mixed methods feminist participatory research study focused on exploring how LBQT+ persons conceptualize and define empowerment for themselves, and to understand their perspectives on how feelings of power and powerlessness influence their physical and mental health. This paper focuses on data from the first phase of the study, in which qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 LBQT+ persons (ages 19 to 50) from Kisumu and Homa Bay in Western Kenya. A participatory interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted to understand the lived experiences of LBQT+ persons as they navigate intersectional oppression and its influence on their experiences of empowerment and subsequent health outcomes. Findings from this analysis were presented to two different focus groups composed of participants who had participated in the in-depth interviews to gather their insights on the interpretations of the interviews as a form of member checking. Findings revealed that "empowerment" was not experienced and viewed by LBQT+ persons as a monolithic construct, but rather a process through which LBQT+ persons are able to transform negative forces of intersectional oppression and powerlessness into experiences of power and subsequent individual and collective action and impact-all leading to improved mental health and well-being. This process is facilitated at several junctures by participatory seeking and attainment of community-appropriate resources at multiple socio-ecological levels that, when accessed with sufficient intensity, frequency, and duration, enhance one's journey through the process of empowerment. These facilitation junctures are viewed as likely points of focus for public health intervention. Analysis also revealed that the process of empowerment is dependent on the context within which the process is occurring, the specific issues being faced, and the population of focus. Recommendations for how this model can be used for future research and practice to improve the lives of LBQT+ persons in Kenya are discussed.

All That Moves Us: The Semantic Density of Clothing and Objects in El Buen Vestir-Tlakentli’s Choreographies of Indigenous Movements

This article explores El Buen Vestir-Tlakentli 2 (2017 and 2019) and argues that the two iterations of this dance-theatre piece are powerful explorations—through dance and the artists’ sensate relation to objects—of the moving journey that led artists Leticia Vera and Carlos Rivera Martínez from Mexico to Canada and from a sense of estrangement from their Indigeneity to an encounter with their ancestors’ complex and resistant negotiations with the oppressive forces ushered in by settler colonialism in Mexico. Shedding and layering clothes and leveraging the knowledges they encode, the artists remind us of all that moves us in the world. Through inhabiting clothes saturated with meaning, the dancers embody their ancestors throughout the performance, returning to them to better understand the past, its violence, and its joy and imagine a future remapped through decolonial geographies. This future, the author contends in conversation with the artists’ own words, takes the form of a hopeful reconfiguration of the symbolic space of Aztlán. Critical of its problematic past entanglement with race yet mobilizing its transformative power, the artists create a space where Indigeneity is no longer relegated to the past, where kinship is articulated on radically different terms, and where it might be possible to shed the layers of settler-colonial violence—gendered violence in particular–that continue to impact the everyday life of Indigenous women and girls.

Sebuah pemikiran perlawanan Chudori terhadap cengkeraman kekuasaan dalam Laut Bercerita

This study aims to prove the ideology of resistance of Leila Salikha Chudori towards oppressive force via Laut Bercerita. Literary work is a product of the author’s critical thinking; therefore, it is important to understand Chudori’s ideology in her work. From a Marxist point of view, there is a battle for domination in every society. This study tries to understand where is the ideological position of Chudori in the battle for domination. The method used to conduct this research is qualitative descriptive. Research on Laut Bercerita was a literature study that uses a Marxist approach. Theories that will be used are Antonio Gramsci's Theory of Hegemony and Louis Althusser's Theory of State Apparatus. The study concludes that Chudori is a figure of resistance in a battle for domination, which means Chudori's ideological position belongs to the group that refuses to be dominated.

Weaving a rhizomatic pluriverse: Allin kawsay, the Crianza Mutua Networks, and the Global Tapestry of Alternatives

ABSTRACT Drawing on experiences from Abya Yala/Latin America, and based on the Andean philosophy and praxes of Allin kawsay, this article proposes and introduces the idea of a ‘rhizomatic pluriverse’ as a horizontal structure of dialogue(s) between multiple and diverse pluriversal alternatives. The article draws on the experiences of the Global Tapestry of Alternatives and the Crianza Mutua Networks as points of reference to argue for the possibility of bringing territorial alternatives into dialogue with one another, based on a common rejection of the forces of oppression and a shared struggle for the existence of a multiplicity or worlds, knowledges, cultures, and praxes.

Edna's Struggle Against Oppressions in The Awakening

This study explores Edna Pontellier's struggle against societal oppressions in Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening. Edna's quest for self-discovery and liberation from the constraints of late 19th-century societal norms is analyzed through the lens of feminist perspectives. This paper argues that Edna's unconventional behavior signifies a profound challenge to patriarchal norms, emphasizing her pursuit of identity and autonomy. Edna emerges as a symbol of resistance against societal expectations, seeking personal freedom amidst oppressive forces. Furthermore, the study explores the influence of characters like Adele Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz on Edna's journey, highlighting contrasting paths of womanhood and autonomy.

Unveiling the Dualities: Exploring the Intersectionality of Caste and Gender in Meena Kandasamy's Literary Landscape

This research paper delves into the nuanced portrayal of caste intersectionality with gender in the literary works of Meena Kandasamy, a prominent contemporary Indian writer. Kandasamy's narratives provide a rich tapestry through which to examine the multifaceted experiences of individuals navigating the complex social structures of caste and gender in India. Through a close analysis of selected texts, this study aims to elucidate the ways in which caste and gender intersect to shape identities, power dynamics, and social hierarchies. Drawing on intersectional feminist theory and postcolonial perspectives, the paper explores how Kandasamy's characters negotiate and resist the oppressive forces of caste and patriarchy, while also highlighting the complexities and contradictions inherent in their struggles for agency and liberation. By engaging with Kandasamy's literature, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between caste and gender in contemporary Indian society, shedding light on the lived realities of marginalized individuals and communities.

Why temporality matters in collective resistance: Shifting civic norms in a post‐traumatic society

AbstractWhat is the role of civic norms for social change after traumatic events, and how do those norms shape collective resistance? The present study seeks to address this urgent query by examining Sicilians' culture war against the mafia. Based on rigorous ethnographic research over a period of 7 years (2016–2023), an extensive database was created, which included 77 commemorative events, a guided city tour, 54 interviews with antimafia activists, and 89 audio–visual recordings totaling 1768 min. I introduce two analytical concepts, “informative rituals” and “transmissive rituals,” that offer a new perspective on how activists leverage the civic norms of social bonds to realize their objectives. I argue that shifting civic norms in a post‐traumatic society is not only driven by collective resistance but also requires significant time in the presence of an oppressive force. This study proposes that, for a socially traumatized community attempting to shift civic norms, prolonged and strenuous endeavors are required in order to thoroughly permeate those norms among the general public. The findings demonstrate that the consolidation of civic norms within post‐traumatic societies is highly contingent upon its temporal context and sustainability, which explains why culture wars frequently necessitate a long‐term communal investment.

Exploring the Narratives of Rustom and Esfandiar Battle within Shahnameh Ferdowsi: An Analytical Evaluation

In this scholarly investigation, we delve into the narrative of the legendary battle between Rustam and Esfandiar, aiming to unveil the nuanced ideological underpinnings woven within the text. Our analysis traverses various contextual dimensions, including the historical background of the text and its revered status within the tradition. Furthermore, we meticulously examine the linguistic intricacies—ranging from lexical choices to syntactical structures—and the rhetorical strategies employed, alongside an exploration of stylistic elements. Through this multifaceted approach, we strive to elucidate the latent ideological discourse embedded within the narrative. The tale of Rustam and Esfandiar's clash resonates with themes of national sovereignty, the steadfast defense of liberty, and the struggle against oppressive forces across diverse realms. Moreover, it offers insights into the author's critique of prevailing power dynamics and societal injustices.

Spectacular Women: Recovering the Feminine in Elena Ferrante’s I giorni dell’abbandono

ABSTRACT This article seeks to explore the models for female existence depicted in Elena Ferrante’s I giorni dell’abbandono (2002), specifically those which bypass conceptualisation according to patriarchal prescriptions for female behaviour. I examine the ways in which Ferrante presents female existence as controlled by patriarchal narratives, before shifting to an exploration of the processes that allow a transcendence of such narratives. This article suggests that I giorni dell’abbandono presents a framework through which women are able to conceptualise the world and their existence through relation to each other, undoing the alienating and limiting forces of patriarchal oppression.

Strategically Hijacking Victimhood: A Political Communication Strategy in the Discourse of Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump

This article introduces the concept of “hijacked victimhood” as a form of strategically leveraging victimhood narratives. It is a subset of strategic victimhood, which is a relatively common communicative strategy whereby groups claim victimhood status in contests over power and legitimacy. Political leaders who use the strategy of hijacked victimhood present dominant groups as in danger, as current or future victims, and in need of protection (especially by the crafter of the narrative) from oppressive forces consisting of—or indirectly representing—marginalized and subaltern groups. In the process, leaders hijacking victimhood blunt the rights-based claims of such groups. Analyzing Viktor Orbán’s and Donald Trump’s elite rhetoric in Hungary and the United States, respectively, we inductively document varieties of hijacked victimhood in their political communication, showing how Orbán leverages historical suffering and resistance while Trump constructs economic and value-based harms for dominant groups. Making both conceptual and empirical contributions, we argue that at the heart of hijacked victimhood is a reversal of the victimizer–victim dichotomy, a new portrayal of moral orders, a teleological ordering of past and future harms, and a mobilization of security threats—all used to preserve or expand a dominant group’s power.

“Pieces of My Soul”: A Humanistic Approach to Teaching Black-Identified Students about Race and Anti-Blackness

This teaching note reviews a four-part discussion post assignment that asks Black-identified students enrolled in a class connected to a Black living-learning community to make sociological and personal connections to concepts related to race, anti-Blackness, and institutional racism in Yaa Gyasi’s novel Homegoing. Reflecting on their posts, I share how using literary fiction in the classroom can support students’ development of a sociological imagination grounded in history’s missing voices and an intersectional and structural understanding of race and racism. Moreover, by making connections between the characters, their peers, and their own lives and sharing these connections via their discussion posts, students create a space of collective vulnerability where they can reflect simultaneously upon the dehumanizing aspects of anti-Blackness and assert their individual and collective humanity in the face of this oppressive force.

The Father as a Dominant Figure in John McGahern’s The Dark

The aim of this article is to investigate the role of the father figure in John McGahern’s novel, The Dark. Accordingly, the researcher attempts to examine the relationships between fathers and sons, and the psychological impact of dominant father figures on their children. For the theoretical framework of the study, the researcher draws on the father/ child Relationship in psychology. The analytical approach is employed to analyse the father’s actions and attitudes towards his family members. Through a close reading of the text, the researcher reaches the conclusion that the father figure in the novel is portrayed as a dominant and oppressive force, leading to the protagonist’s psychological and emotional struggles.The concepts of dominant and oppressive forces are often discussed in various fields, including sociology, politics, and cultural studies. These terms are used to describe power dynamics and the ways in which certain individuals, groups, or institutions exert control over others. The presence of a dominant father figure can significantly shape the identity and development of the characters, especially if the narrative unfolds within a family context. The expectations, values, and behaviours imposed by the dominant father can influence how individuals perceive themselves and their roles in the world. This impact might lead to internal conflicts and struggles for autonomy. Psychological abuse has been linked with negative outcomes such as impaired emotional, social, and cognitive development, including helplessness, aggression, emotional unresponsiveness and neuroticism (Black et al., 2001)