This part will constitute only a part of my paper. Therefore no introduction or conclusion are necessary, nor a research question.
The first part of this essay needs to reflect on Spivak’s theoretical contribution of “subalternity”. Her works “can the subaltern speak” and “righting wrongs” should be central here (but other account of her and other authors should be considered too).
Three points have to be discussed:
– what is subalternity, what consitutite a subaltern (create applicability)
– what is the role of human rights in the context of subalternity according to Spivak
– how does internationalisation of a “problem/issue/subaltern group” possibly change the status of subalternity
Approximately 2000
The second part of this essay needs to discuss to what extent women, who are undergoing or are subject to female circumcision, can be described as subaltern.
Here several things should be mentioned:
– brief introduction on female circumcision (FC) (variation of forms, variation in religions practising it, international agenda picking it up)
– reflection on how FC is sometimes described as barbaric while it actually is a meaningful and structuring cultural practice
– central questions of main part: are women subject to FC “subaltern” as understood by Spivak and how does the representation and internationalisation by for example NGOs change this subalternity?
rest of words
sources below may be used
