Perspectives and Obstacles in Postcolonial Writing

Abstract

Indian writing in English is a subfield of "cultural studies," a misleadingly called area that encompasses a wide range of left-leaning radical literary theories and criticisms such as Marxism, Gramsci, Foucault, and feminism. All these theoretical frameworks share a commitment to investigating the ways in which literature, film, art, etc., reflect unequal power dynamics. Those who identify as part of this community tend to see themselves as politically active and dedicated to liberation movements of varying stripes. In addition, not all postcolonial researchers are trained in literary studies. As well as history and politics, postcolonial theory has found use in anthropology, linguistics, and anthropology. Those who identify as "postcolonial scholars" often feel they are part of a larger if loosely organized, movement to expose and combat the domineering influence of Western Europe and the United States on developing countries in the South.