Research Articles
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https://doi.org/10.55640/ijssll-04-12-01
Unpacking Dualities: Gender, Identity, and Nationalist Narratives in India
Abstract
Nationalist narratives are foundational to the construction of collective identity and often operate through the establishment of binary oppositions that define who belongs and who is excluded. In the context of India, the intricate interplay of historical, social, and political forces has shaped nationalist discourses that frequently rely on gendered dualities to articulate national aspirations and cultural values. This article critically dissects the pervasive "binaries" embedded within Indian nationalist narratives, with a particular focus on how gendered identities are constructed, mobilized, and constrained. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks of nationalism, identity politics, and feminist critiques, this analysis examines the public/private divide, the masculinization of the nation, and the prescribed roles for women within the nationalist project. The findings reveal that these binary constructs are not merely descriptive but are active instruments in shaping power relations, reinforcing patriarchal structures, and influencing the very fabric of national belonging. Understanding these deeply ingrained dualities is crucial for a comprehensive appreciation of India's socio-political landscape and the ongoing contestations over identity.
Keywords
Gender identity, nationalism, India, cultural dualities, political narratives, feminist theory, postcolonial discourse, identity politics, gender roles
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