The Coloniality of Gender and the Other Others

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 8, “The Coloniality of Gender: ‘The category of Other is as original as consciousness itself,’ ” examines Beauvoir’s analysis of the situation and oppression of “woman” including the limits of biology, psychoanalysis, and historical materialism; her preference for an existential analysis; as well as history, facts, and myths that have contributed to woman’s situation as Other. Attention is given to Beauvoir’s grand historical narratives about the oppression of the white Western woman juxtaposed with her problematic claims about Indians, Asians, Arabs, and Muslims. It is argued that when Beauvoir explicitly takes up non-white, non-Western women in the text, this uptake is often presented through a colonial gaze and imaginary that tends to lock these other Others into a perpetual primitive past, even in her present moment. The chapter turns to insightful analyses of Beauvoir presented by Sally Markowitz (who critiques her orientalism) and Alia Al-Saji (who critiques her colonial tourist gaze and colonial dissonance). It also explores Kyoo Lee’s more generous readings as well as Stephanie Rivera Berruz’s critiques. Finally, the chapter also takes seriously the counter-narratives offered by María Lugones’ insightful account of the coloniality of gender and the importance of decolonial feminisms, as well as Oyèrónké Oyewùmí’s critical analysis of colonialism and gender impositions from the West.