Subalternation - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Subalternation, a term shrouded in complex layers of power and voice, signifies the act, process, or state of being relegated to the margins, of being rendered subordinate and voiceless. This concept, often misinterpreted as mere oppression, delves deeper into the silencing and erasure of agency, subtly prompting us to reconsider who holds the pen in shaping history.
The earliest inklings of subalternation, though not explicitly labeled as such, can be traced back to ancient philosophical and political thought. Plato's "Republic" (c. 380 BC) hints at hierarchical societal structures where certain groups are inherently deemed less capable of self-governance, thus paving the way for their subjugation. Machiavelli's "The Prince" (1532) provides practical tools and methods to maintain power over newly acquired territories and peoples by any means, providing a blueprint for subalternation. These seeds, sown in eras of empire-building and rigid social orders, reflect the ingrained tendency to marginalize those deemed "other." These great figures each left their indelible mark on the history of ethics, and continue to figure prominently in the conversations regarding power, influence, and fairness bias.
The concept took on new dimensions in the writings of Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist, during the early 20th century. Imprisoned by Mussolini, Gramsci meticulously analyzed how dominant groups maintain control through cultural hegemony, thereby suppressing the voices of the subaltern – those excluded from societal power structures. Postcolonial theorists, notably Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, have further refined the term, exploring whether the subaltern can even speak, given the all-encompassing nature of power dynamics. This evolution invites us to question whether true representation is achievable, or if the very act of speaking for the subaltern perpetuates their marginalization. Subalternation bears an uncanny resemblance to the trolley problem, but unlike the latter, the focus is neither on the action nor on its consequences. Instead, it is primarily about the power to act in pursuit of certain interests while simultaneously depriving a specific demographic of agency and self-representation.
Today, the legacy of subalternation resonates powerfully across various disciplines. It informs critical analyses of race, gender, class, and other forms of social exclusion. From studies of indigenous populations to investigations of marginalized communities within contemporary societies, the concept serves as a lens through which we can examine the enduring impact of power imbalances. The continuing mystique of subalternation lies in its unsettling question: how can we dismantle the structures that perpetuate silence and create spaces for truly representative voices to be heard and acted upon?