Masculinities at the Crossroads

Theoretical Insights into Gendered Violence and Social Class in Taslima Nasrin's Lajja

Authors

  • Sanjana Chakraborty National Institute of Technology
  • Dhananjay Tripathi National Institute of Technology

Keywords:

social class, identity, intersectionality, masculinities, otherness, gendered violence

Abstract

The present article critically examines the intricate tapestry of gendered space within Taslima Nasrin’s Lajja (2014). It aims to unravel the social positionality of men within minority communities in conflict scenarios. Primarily based on the theories of Susan Bordo, Michael Kimmel, and Raewyn  Connell, among others, the paper underscores the complexities surrounding gendered violence and the formation of male identity. It highlights the emergence of subaltern masculinity, layered with the embodied realities of masculinity. This fosters a sense of “otherness” among men belonging to minority groups. It furthers the psychological and physical trauma borne by male bodies in the discourse of gender-based violence. This paper delves into the intricate intersections of racial and ethnic identities within social class dynamics, unraveling the multifaceted expressions of masculinity within diverse communities. Through a lens focused on gendered violence, I explore the unique challenges and experiences faced by men navigating the complex terrain of multiple intersecting identity factors. The research probes into the systematic invisibility of victims who identify as men on the gender spectrum, juxtaposed with their unjust association with the image of the perpetrator. In essence, this study contributes to the theoretical discourse surrounding the connections between masculinities and social class, unraveling the multifaceted layers of gendered violence against men within the unique socio-cultural context depicted in Lajja. 

Author Biographies

  • Sanjana Chakraborty, National Institute of Technology

    Sanjana Chakraborty has a Bachelor’s (2016) and Master’s (2018) of Arts in English Literature from Banaras Hindu University, India. She further qualified for UGC-NET in 2019 and is currently a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the National Institute of Technology Sikkim, India. Her research interests include the understanding of the intricate layers of gender and sexuality studies, masculinity studies, cultural studies, South Asian literature, and gendered violence. Her research significantly focuses on the representation of vulnerable identities marginalised from mainstream gender discourse as characterised in South Asian literary and cultural texts. Her research critically engages with issues of masculine embodiment, male vulnerability of queer identities, and socio-political dynamics that influence dynamics of sexuality and power in postcolonial narratives. She has published articles in various research journals and presented her work at national and international conferences.

  • Dhananjay Tripathi, National Institute of Technology

    Dhananjay Tripathi earned his MA (2006) and D.Phil (2013) in English from the University of Allahabad, India. He is currently employed as an Associate Professor and holds the position of Head of the Department in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the National Institute of Technology Sikkim, India. He also supervises and guides doctoral research scholars. His research interests include retelling of myths, gender studies, South Asian fictions, and phenomenology. His academic engagement uncovers the intersections of narrative structures, identity, and cultural understanding on how literary narratives refabricate these intersections into the contemporary theoretical lens. He has published articles in several reputed journals and presented his work in various conferences and global academic forums. 

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Cover images shows a blue ceramic tile with a green fish.

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Published

2025-07-16

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 2 (2025): Open Call / Gender and Climate Justice

Section

Open Call 2025

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Copyright (c) 2025 Sanjana Chakraborty, Dhananjay Tripathi

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