Book Details

• Author: U. Kalpagam

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9788131611807

• Pages: 254

• Cover: Hardcover

• Release Date: 01-12-2020

About the Book

In this compelling and thought-provoking volume, U. Kalpagam explores how neoliberalism is reshaping the lives of women in India through the creation of new subjectivities—those of the entrepreneur, consumer, and citizen. Grounded in Michel Foucault's theory of neoliberal governmentality, the book delves into how governance mechanisms and socio-economic shifts interact to redefine women's roles and experiences in multiple spheres of life.

The study reveals that neoliberalism in India is not a monolithic force but is deeply entwined with existing social structures, cultural narratives, and institutional frameworks. These complexities often result in outcomes that diverge from the intended goals of neoliberal governance. The book also brings to light how women’s activism is transforming under neoliberalism, generating new expressions of collective and individual resistance.

Structured into eight rich and insightful chapters, the book addresses key issues such as microcredit and entrepreneurial identity, urban governance and its impact on women, the medicalization of the female body, aging and the control of elderly women, and the commodification of feminism through fashion and consumerism. The final chapters provide a nuanced mapping of the contemporary women’s movement in India, showcasing emerging forms, discourses, and sites of activism.

U. Kalpagam, a seasoned academic and former professor at G.B. Pant Social Science Institute, University of Allahabad, brings her scholarly depth and critical lens to this timely exploration. Her work not only contributes to feminist theory and sociology but also provides a crucial resource for those studying development, public policy, and gender studies in the context of global neoliberal transformations.