Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Gender
Re-alignments in Nissim Ezekiel’s Nalini
Pallavi Patil
ABSTRACT
This Article investigates the impact of the four
waves of feminism—liberal, radical, intersectional, and
transnational—on gender, identity, and agency within Indian
diasporic communities. Situated at the crossroads of migration,
culture, and gender politics, the Article analyzes how feminist
activism and theory have shaped the lived experiences of Indian
women and LGBTQ+ individuals abroad. Emphasizing the interplay of
patriarchy, caste, class, and sexuality, the study uses an
analytical approach grounded in feminist theory and literary
criticism. Indian English diasporic literature, including works by
Jhumpa Lahiri, Shyam Selvadurai, and Bharati Mukherjee, serves as a
vital lens to explore negotiations of identity and resistance. The
Article highlights the crucial role of transnational feminism in
forging solidarities that respect cultural specificity while
advocating for gender justice. Ultimately, it argues that Indian
diasporic subjects continuously redefine their agency amid multiple
intersecting structures of power.
Keywords: Transnational feminism, Indian diaspora, gender politics,
feminist activism, Indian English literature, intersectionality,
LGBTQ+
