“Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose: Summary and Critique

Introduction: “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose

“Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose first appeared in The Cambridge Journal of Anthropology in 2018 (Volume 36, Number 2, Autumn, pp. 34–52). This article critically examines the intersection of feminist theory and activism, particularly within the contemporary #MeToo movement. Lukose explores the challenges and potentials of decolonizing feminism, emphasizing the need to interrogate universalizing feminist frameworks while foregrounding intersectionality and the politics of location. Through detailed analysis, Lukose illustrates how feminist knowledge, both as a scholarly and political project, has historically engaged with decolonization by contesting hegemonic narratives and assumptions. She argues, for instance, that “[f]eminism in the university is in and of this world,” asserting the inseparability of feminist scholarship from broader socio-political struggles. By linking the #MeToo movement with earlier feminist concepts like intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, Lukose highlights how power structures such as race, class, and gender dynamically shape feminist mobilizations. The article is a vital contribution to literary theory and cultural studies, as it reaffirms the importance of analyzing feminism not just through inclusion but by critically engaging with historical and geopolitical contexts to achieve substantive decolonial praxis.

Summary of “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose

• Feminism in the University: Bridging Knowledge and Activism: Lukose argues that feminism in the university is not detached from real-world struggles but intricately connected to broader social and political movements. This relationship highlights the interplay between feminist knowledge production and activism, underscoring how concepts like “the personal is political” and “intersectionality” shape feminist discourse within and beyond academia (Lukose, 2018, p. 35).
• Decolonizing Feminism: Beyond Universalism: The article critiques the universalizing tendencies of feminism, particularly in the #MeToo era, emphasizing the need to address power dynamics and differences within the movement. Lukose highlights how Tarana Burke’s creation of “Me Too” in 2006 for marginalized communities contrasts with the movement’s later mainstream trajectory, which often prioritizes privileged voices (Lukose, 2018, p. 36).
• Intersectionality and Its Misinterpretations: Lukose revisits Kimberlé Crenshaw’s original concept of intersectionality as a critique of intersecting systems of oppression, not merely the inclusion of diverse identities. She critiques how contemporary mobilizations of intersectionality often reduce it to identity politics rather than addressing structural inequalities (Lukose, 2018, p. 40).
• The Politics of Location: The concept of the “politics of location,” first articulated by Adrienne Rich and later expanded by Caren Kaplan, serves as a critical framework in the article. Lukose argues that understanding the geographical, institutional, and historical context of feminist movements is essential to decolonizing feminism and avoiding hegemonic narratives (Lukose, 2018, pp. 43–44).
• Generational Dynamics in Feminism: The article explores generational tensions within feminism, particularly in debates about #MeToo. Lukose invokes Karl Mannheim’s theory of “fresh contact” to explain how younger feminists reinterpret inherited traditions in light of new political and social contexts, creating both continuity and conflict (Lukose, 2018, p. 39).
• Feminism in the Context of Right-Wing Populism: Lukose examines how the rise of right-wing populism, such as Trumpism in the US and Modi’s Hindu nationalism in India, challenges feminist gains. These political contexts reveal the limitations of institutional feminism in addressing sexual violence and inequality (Lukose, 2018, p. 46).
• Global Feminisms and Postcolonial Perspectives: The article critiques Eurocentric narratives of feminism, emphasizing the existence of diverse feminist traditions across the Global South. Lukose discusses texts like Feminism and Nationalism in the Third World by Kumari Jayawardena to illustrate the decolonizing imperative within feminist scholarship (Lukose, 2018, p. 45).
• Tensions Between Postcolonial and Decolonial Feminisms: Lukose differentiates between postcolonial and decolonial frameworks, noting how the latter critiques the former for insufficiently addressing settler colonialism and contemporary institutional power dynamics. The shift toward decolonial feminism reflects evolving strategies for dismantling global hierarchies (Lukose, 2018, p. 47).
• Conclusion: Toward a Decolonial Feminist Future: The article concludes by advocating for a nuanced approach to feminism that embraces intersectionality, generational dialogue, and the politics of location. Lukose calls for sustained critical engagement with feminist traditions to ensure their relevance in addressing contemporary inequalities (Lukose, 2018, p. 48).

Theoretical Terms/Concepts in “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose

Term/Concept	Definition	Context in the Article
Intersectionality	A framework to understand how intersecting systems of oppression, such as racism and sexism, create unique experiences.	Explored through Kimberlé Crenshaw’s critique of legal and institutional discrimination, emphasizing structural over identity-focused analyses.
Politics of Location	A feminist concept emphasizing the importance of geographical, institutional, and historical context in shaping perspectives.	Discussed as a way to decolonize feminism by acknowledging diverse feminist traditions and avoiding Eurocentric universalism.
Decolonizing Feminism	The process of challenging and dismantling Eurocentric and colonial assumptions within feminist theories and practices.	Linked to the task of addressing differences and inequalities within feminism, especially in the context of #MeToo and intersectional struggles.
Universalizing Horizon	The tendency of feminism to present itself as a universal framework, potentially ignoring specific cultural and social differences.	Critiqued in relation to how #MeToo and similar movements often prioritize privileged voices over marginalized ones.
Generational Tensions	The conflicts between different feminist generations over priorities, methods, and interpretations of feminism.	Analyzed through Karl Mannheim’s theory of “fresh contact,” highlighting how younger feminists reinterpret older traditions in light of new realities.
Structural Power	The systemic and institutional forces that shape inequalities and oppressions.	Central to Crenshaw’s critique of intersectionality and discussions of how institutions handle sexual violence.
Postcolonial Feminism	A feminist framework addressing the impacts of colonialism on gender and feminist thought, often focused on the Global South.	Examined alongside decolonial feminism, with critiques of its limitations in addressing settler colonialism and contemporary institutional issues.
Decolonial Feminism	A feminist approach emphasizing the dismantling of settler colonial structures and their impacts on knowledge production.	Differentiated from postcolonial feminism as a more explicit critique of contemporary colonial power dynamics.
“Fresh Contact”	A concept by Karl Mannheim describing how younger generations reinterpret inherited traditions through their own experiences.	Used to explain generational shifts in feminism, particularly debates around #MeToo and changing sexual politics.
Intersectional Feminism	A form of feminism that integrates the intersections of race, gender, class, and other identity factors.	Discussed in relation to the evolving understanding of intersectionality in the #MeToo era and its implications for inclusivity and justice.
Caste and Gender	The intersection of caste-based and gender-based oppressions, particularly in Indian feminist contexts.	Highlighted in debates about Indian academia and the rise of Dalit feminist voices in response to #MeToo and other movements.

Contribution of “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose to Literary Theory/Theories

Examples of Critiques Through “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose

Literary Work	Critique Through Lukose’s Framework	Relevant Concept from the Article
Toni Morrison’s Beloved	– Highlights how the intersection of race and gender shapes the traumatic legacy of slavery. – Emphasizes the absence of universal feminist solutions in addressing oppression (e.g., Sethe’s agency).	– Intersectionality as structural power (Crenshaw, 1991). – Critique of universalizing feminist narratives.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun	– Explores the decolonial imperative in representing postcolonial African women’s struggles during the Biafran War. – Challenges Eurocentric feminist tropes by rooting narratives in local contexts.	– Politics of location in feminism (Kaplan, 1994). – Decolonial feminism and critique of colonial knowledge systems.
Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale	– Examines the risks of universalizing patriarchal oppression without attention to racial and cultural specificity. – Critiques the absence of intersectionality in the portrayal of Gilead’s women.	– Universalizing horizon of feminism (Lukose, 2018). – Tensions between liberal feminism and intersectional approaches.
Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things	– Addresses the intersections of caste, gender, and colonial legacies in shaping Ammu’s struggles. – Highlights how the politics of caste challenges universal feminist frameworks.	– Intersectionality beyond race and gender, including caste (Lukose, 2018). – Decolonizing feminism in postcolonial contexts.

Key Notes on Application:

1. Intersectionality: Focuses on how overlapping oppressions shape characters and their narratives beyond singular axes of identity.
2. Politics of Location: Evaluates how local histories and socio-political contexts influence feminist critiques within literary works.
3. Universalizing Feminism: Critiques portrayals that ignore specificities of race, class, caste, and location.
4. Decolonial Frameworks: Challenges Western-centric feminist readings by foregrounding marginalized perspectives, especially from the Global South.

Criticism Against “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose

• Overemphasis on U.S.-centric Narratives:
  • While the article critiques universalizing feminist frameworks, its focus on #MeToo in the U.S. might overshadow other equally significant feminist movements globally.
• Ambiguity in Decolonial and Postcolonial Distinctions:
  • The fluid use of “decolonial” and “postcolonial” frameworks may dilute the distinct methodologies and aims of each theoretical approach.
• Limited Attention to Non-Western Epistemologies:
  • Despite its emphasis on decolonizing feminism, the article engages minimally with indigenous or non-Western feminist frameworks outside of South Asia and the Global South.
• Generational Framing May Oversimplify Feminist Debates:
  • The focus on generational conflicts within feminism risks reducing complex ideological tensions to mere age-based disagreements.
• Lack of Practical Solutions for Decolonizing Feminism in Academia:
  • While the article raises significant theoretical questions, it offers limited actionable strategies for addressing institutional barriers or transforming feminist curricula.
• Dependence on Intersectionality Without Expanding Its Scope:
  • The reliance on intersectionality as a central concept, while valuable, could benefit from integrating other emerging feminist theories, such as new materialisms or queer ecological frameworks.
• Insufficient Critique of Structural Power in Academia:
  • Although the article discusses power dynamics, it could delve deeper into the neoliberalization of academia and how it impacts feminist knowledge production.
• Limited Engagement with Non-Anthropological Disciplines:
  • The anthropological lens dominates the discussion, potentially excluding contributions from literary studies, sociology, or cultural studies.
• Potential Over-Reliance on #MeToo as a Feminist Turning Point:
  • The article positions #MeToo as a pivotal moment, which might inadvertently centralize a single movement while sidelining other grassroots feminist actions.

Representative Quotations from “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose with Explanation

Quotation	Explanation
“Feminism in the university is in and of this world.”	Lukose challenges the view that academic feminism is disconnected from real-world struggles. She argues for a mutual influence between feminist knowledge production in academia and feminist political movements in society.
“The universalizing horizon of feminism has newly arisen, posing new challenges for this project.”	Highlights the tension between feminism’s universal aspirations and the diversity of feminist experiences and struggles, particularly in the #MeToo era.
“The decolonizing imperative has become more urgent than ever, as new sites of knowledge and power have come under scrutiny.”	Stresses the need for feminism to engage with new forms of coloniality, including within academic and institutional contexts, to remain relevant in contemporary power dynamics.
“Intersectionality has been mobilized in ways that Crenshaw did not intend.”	Critiques the oversimplification of intersectionality into identity politics, diverging from Kimberlé Crenshaw’s original focus on structural inequalities shaped by the intersections of race, gender, and other vectors of oppression.
“The current #MeToo moment has shaped new engagements with ongoing feminist concerns.”	Examines how the #MeToo movement has reinvigorated public feminism while also raising critical questions about generational and cultural divides within feminist activism.
“Fresh contact with inherited traditions is never easy, always fraught, and unstable within new contexts.”	Draws on Mannheim’s idea of “fresh contact” to show how feminist concepts evolve as younger generations reinterpret and challenge established feminist traditions.
“A politics of location highlights the frames of reference that underlie theoretical and political formulations.”	Advocates for recognizing how geographical, cultural, and historical contexts shape feminist theories and practices, moving beyond universalist frameworks.
“The struggles to decolonize feminism are equally acute and challenging as its decolonizing intentions.”	Lukose underscores the internal contradictions and power imbalances within feminism itself that need to be addressed in the process of decolonization.
“No straightforward line exists between knowledge and power in the university.”	Critiques universities as sites of power where feminist ideas often clash with institutional priorities like liability and bureaucratic protections, especially in addressing sexual harassment and violence.
“Feminism has always been fueled by and responded to the pushes and pulls of feminist and women’s movements in the world at large.”	Reinforces the reciprocal relationship between feminist activism and feminist knowledge production, suggesting that neither exists in isolation but dynamically influence each other.

Suggested Readings: “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era” by Ritty Lukose

1. Lukose, Ritty. “Decolonizing Feminism in the #MeToo Era.” The Cambridge Journal of Anthropology, vol. 36, no. 2, 2018, pp. 34–52. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26945999. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
2. Arvin, Maile, et al. “Decolonizing Feminism: Challenging Connections between Settler Colonialism and Heteropatriarchy.” Feminist Formations, vol. 25, no. 1, 2013, pp. 8–34. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43860665. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
3. Kapteijns, Lidwien. The International Journal of African Historical Studies, vol. 29, no. 1, 1996, pp. 218–21. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/221467. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
4. “New Books in Women’s and Gender Studies.” Feminist Studies, vol. 44, no. 1, 2018, pp. 207–12. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.15767/feministstudies.44.1.0207. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
5. Mohanty, Chandra Talpade. “Transnational Feminist Crossings: On Neoliberalism and Radical Critique.” Signs, vol. 38, no. 4, 2013, pp. 967–91. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.1086/669576. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.