Black Feminism Meets Dalit Feminism: A Comparative Perspective From Tamil Nadu

Abstract

This study explores the intersectional frameworks of Black Feminism and Dalit Feminism, examining their shared struggles against systemic oppression and their unique socio-political contexts. Black Feminism, rooted in the experiences of African American women, addresses the interconnected nature of race, gender, and class oppression. Dalit Feminism, emerging from the experiences of Dalit women in India, focuses on caste, gender, and economic exploitation. Using Tamil Nadu as a case study, this research investigates how Dalit Feminism resonates with and diverges from Black Feminism, particularly in terms of historical trajectories, representation, activism, and policy impact.

Through a comparative analysis, the study highlights how both movements have articulated the voices of marginalized women through literature, grassroots advocacy, and cultural expression. It also explores the challenges these movements face in building solidarity within their communities and across intersectional lines. Tamil Nadu’s Dalit women’s movements, shaped by caste-based violence and patriarchal norms, are juxtaposed with the racialized gender struggles of Black women in the United States, offering insights into global systems of inequality.

The research emphasizes the potential for transnational feminist solidarity by drawing parallels between these two frameworks, focusing on shared strategies and lessons. By situating Dalit Feminism within a global context, this study contributes to the development of inclusive feminist discourses and frameworks that address intersectional injustices worldwide.