Mal(e) Development, (Com)modification, Nationalism and Feminist Consciousness: An Analysis of Arundhati Roy’s Writings

Abstract

The terms “mal(e)development” and “(com)modification” are coinages that underscore the nexus of the patriarchy, colonialism and capitalism in the Indian context. India has witnessed tremendous development and exploitation of its natural resources in the post‑independence era owing to the aids sponsored by the developed nations. The mal(e) development and (com)modification of India on the western model is masquerading as nation building in the 21st century. Arundhati Roy, the prominent feminist writer‑activist, lays bare this camouflaged maldevelopment and commodification of nature and women. Roy’s concerns are pretty much influenced by eco‑feministic discourse. In post‑independence India, colonialism has resorted to subterfuge, presenting a Western model of development to the developing nations.

Keywords

• Development
• Capitalism
• Feminism
• Dam building