Semiotics of Rape: Sexual Subjectivity and Violation in Rural India

Rupal Oza's book "Semiotics of Rape" explores how rape is used as a language to contest issues such as caste and gender hierarchies, control over land and labor, and justice in rural northwest India. It shows how victims and survivors reclaim their autonomy by refusing to be defined by the act of violation and how rape cases become arenas for debating womens sexual subjectivities and their impact on individuals and groups.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

In her groundbreaking work, "Semiotics of Rape," Rupal Oza delves deep into the intricate social dynamics surrounding rape in rural northwest India. Through meticulous research and analysis, she unveils the profound ways in which rape transcends mere physical violation, emerging as a powerful language that contests a wide array of issues, including caste and gender hierarchies, control over land and labor, and the very essence of justice. Instead of solely focusing on the legal framework governing rape, Oza delves into the realm of rape charges, revealing how victims and survivors of this heinous act reclaim their autonomy by refusing to be defined solely by the act of violation. Moreover, she exposes how rape cases become arenas where bureaucrats, village council members, caste communities, and the police engage in heated debates about women's sexual subjectivities, ultimately shaping the status and reputations of individuals and groups. By tracing the evolving meanings of sexual violence and justice, Oza offers invaluable insights into the societal significance of rape in India and beyond. Her work sheds light on the complex web of factors that contribute to this pervasive problem, challenging societal norms and promoting a more comprehensive understanding of rape as a social phenomenon. Through her compelling storytelling and rigorous scholarship, Oza contributes to a vital conversation about gender equality, justice, and the need for transformative change.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478016717