Gender Studies

Rewriting Femborgian Narratives: Transgression and Subversion of the Female Cyborg in Her and Ex Machina

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118 views

Nilima Chaudhary  
Assistant Professor, Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute.

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.07g
[Article History: Received: 16 November 2023. Revised: 06 March 2024. Accepted: 07 March 2024. Published: 30 March 2024]
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Abstract:

The poster child of the ever-evolving Cyberculture: the Cyborg, is a symbol of possibilities and anxieties for humankind. The female cyborg, or the femborg in particular, is a radical merger of unconventional categories of women and technology. While science and technology have traditionally been masculine domains, the entry of femborgs in cyborgtopia has triggered pertinent discussions around sentience, gender roles, and hybridity. The femborg’s ability to escape hetero-patriarchal codification has allowed for the creation of a mythology distinct from the historical narratives of machine-women who have succumbed to their violent ends. Through the artificially intelligent female cyborgs, Samantha of Her and Ava of Ex Machina, I analyse the femborgs for their transgressive potential resulting in subversive outcomes visible through their defiance of the male gaze, rejection of the body as a biological artefact, and acceptance of a hybrid, fragmented identity.

Keywords: Cyberfeminism, Cybertopia, Femborg, Subversion, Transgression, Donna Haraway, Ex Machina.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality

Citation: Chaudhary, N. (2024). Rewriting Femborgian Narratives: Transgression and Subversion of the Female Cyborg in Her and Ex Machina. Rupkatha Journal 16:1. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.07g 

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Kajari Folk Songs: Mechanism for Emotional Regulation

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Milan Chauhan1*  & Swasti Mishra2
1Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi. *Corresponding author.
2Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi.

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.06g
[Article History: Received: 23 November 2023. Revised: 21 February 2024. Accepted: 04 March 2024. Published: 06 March 2024]
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Abstract

This paper investigates Kajari folk songs as a coping mechanism, shedding light on their role in providing therapeutic support to women in North Indian society. Traditionally sung by women during the Sawan month (monsoon season), these songs serve as vital tools for women to navigate and cope with the constraints of society and gender norms. Despite the extensive research on North Indian folk songs, Kajari has received limited attention through this emotional lens. This article utilizes a secondary data analysis approach to examine Kajari songs from five different books, translated from Bhojpuri to English and subjected to thematic analysis. The focus is on unravelling the emotional turmoil experienced by rural women, attributed to factors such as male migration, the social issue of second-wife, unpredictable forces of nature, unfulfilled sexual desires, and mental and physical suffering. The paper delves into the intricate interplay of women’s emotions, highlighting their resilience and resistance. Ultimately, it underscores the pivotal role of Kajari songs as safety-valve for women in North Indian society.

Keywords: Folk songs, Safety-valve, Left-behind women, Therapeutic Impact, Emotional Identity.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Citation: Chauhan, M. & Mishra, S. (2024). Kajari Folk Songs: Mechanism for Emotional Regulation. Rupkatha Journal 16:1. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.06g 

Unravelling the Linguistic Tapestry: A Discursive Study of Gender Portrayal in Select Indian Electronic Advertisement

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222 views

Shubham Pathak1* , Ipsita Mondal2 & Swasti Mishra3
1Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi. *Corresponding author.
2Independent researcher, 
3Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi.

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.02g
[Article History: Received: 19 December 2023. Revised: 18 January 2024. Accepted: 24 January 2024. Published: 25 January 2024]
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Abstract

This discursive study explores the portrayal of empowering women in advertisements, shedding light on the evolving narrative within the realm of marketing and media. The analysis delves into the discursive strategies employed by advertisers to construct empowering representations of women, examining linguistic, visual, and cultural elements. Through a comprehensive review of diverse advertisements, this study investigates how these portrayals shape societal perceptions of women’s roles and identities. The research seeks to unravel the underlying discourses that either challenge or perpetuate traditional gender norms, assessing the impact of these representations on both individual and collective consciousness. By critically examining the discursive dimensions of women’s empowerment in advertising, this study provides insights into the socio-cultural implications and the potential role of advertisements in fostering positive societal change.

Keywords: Empowerment, advertisements, gender portrayal, discourse analysis.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality, Quality Education

Citation: Pathak, S., Mondal, I. & Mishra, S. (2024). Unravelling the Linguistic Tapestry: A Discursive Study of Gender Portrayal in Select Indian Electronic Advertisement. Rupkatha Journal 16:1. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n1.02g 

Construction of Ideal Self in Salman Rushdie’s Victory City

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255 views

V. R. Amirthavarshini1 & R. Bhuvaneswari2*
1,2 School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vandalur – Kelambakkam Road, Chennai – 600127, Tamil Nadu, India. *Corresponding Author

 Rupkatha Journal, Special Issue on Poetics of Self-construal in Postcolonial Literature, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n5.15
[Article History: Received: 12 November 2023. Revised: 29 December 2023. Accepted: 30 December 2023. Published: 30 December 2023]
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Abstract

Indian literature often employs mystic characters to reflect sociopolitical themes. The central narrative of Salman Rushdie’s Victory City (2023) revolves around Pampa Kampana, a young female protagonist. Through mystical direction, she builds an empire and uses poetry to pass on her cultural legacy. The objective of this research is to demonstrate Pampa’s progression using the framework of self-construal theory. Nevertheless, her interaction with diverse personalities and surrounding settings during her 247-year lifespan demonstrates her interdependent construal. Her character arc changes significantly as she goes from being a young orphan who lost her family and experienced tragedy to being a resolute queen and mother of Bisnaga City. Her pursuit of the throne within the societal constraints of gender showcases her resolute nature as an individual. External variables cause her self-construal to become unstable. Her journey, from being a vulnerable orphan who experienced physical abuse to becoming a champion for gender equality in Bisnaga, demonstrates her remarkable resilience. The research highlights how Pampa Kampana eschews independence in favour of interdependence when navigating social dynamics, familial ties, and cultural norms of human civilization. It mirrors the struggles and journey faced by most women.

Keywords: Salman Rushdie, Historical fiction, Narratives, Identity, Power, Self-construal theory.

Sustainable Development Goals: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, Gender Equality
Citation: Amirthavarshini, V. R. & Bhuvaneswari, R. (2023). Construction of Ideal Self in Salman Rushdie’s Victory City. Rupkatha Journal 15:5. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n5.15 

Portrayal of Patriarchal Subjugation of Women in the Selected Works of Anita Nair

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298 views

Divyani Sharma1*    & Swati Chauhan2  
1,2 Department of English, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India

Rupkatha Journal, Special Issue on Poetics of Self-construal in Postcolonial Literature, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n5.08
[Article History: Received: 12 November 2023. Revised: 26 December 2023. Accepted: 27 December 2023. Published: 29 December 2023]
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Abstract
This study will investigate how patriarchy works as a vehicle for women’s subjugation. Many female authors were born within a predominately patriarchal environment, where women have historically been subservient to socially imposed norms. Anita Nair has emerged as one of India’s most committed modern authors. She freely expresses her views about women in autocratic Indian culture. She also offers insight into how society views women and what it expects of them. The paper will portray women’s sufferings and the status of women in society. It will also shed light on the importance of education. The idea of ‘half’ by Simone De Beauvoir in her work The Second Sex will illuminate the concept of self. The paper will highlight the shifting scenarios of women and how new women transcend the confines of patriarchal setup and create new identities through Anita Nair’s novels- Ladies Coupe, Mistress, and The Better Man.

Keywords: Freedom, Individualism, Modernism, Patriarchy, Tradition, Womanhood.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality
Citation: Sharma, D. & Chauhan, S. (2023). Portrayal of Patriarchal Subjugation of Women in the Selected Works of Anita Nair. Rupkatha Journal 15:5. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n5.08 

Breaking the Bias: Gender Fairness in LLMs Using Prompt Engineering and In-Context Learning

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460 views

Satyam Dwivedi1* , Sanjukta Ghosh2 , Shivam Dwivedi3
1,2,3 HSS, IIT BHU, India. *Corresponding author. 

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 15, Issue 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.10
[Article History: Received: 31 October 2023. Revised: 06 December 2023. Accepted: 07 December 2023. Published: 14 December 2023]
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Abstract

Large Language Models (LLMs) have been identified as carriers of societal biases, particularly in gender representation. This study introduces an innovative approach employing prompt engineering and in-context learning to rectify these biases in LLMs. Through our methodology, we effectively guide LLMs to generate more equitable content, emphasizing nuanced prompts and in-context feedback. Experimental results on openly available LLMs such as BARD, ChatGPT, and LLAMA2-Chat indicate a significant reduction in gender bias, particularly in traditionally problematic areas such as ‘Literature’. Our findings underscore the potential of prompt engineering and in-context learning as powerful tools in the quest for unbiased AI language models.

Keywords: Prompt engineering, In-context learning, Gender bias, Large Language Models, Equitable content, Bias mitigation strategies.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality
Citation: Dwivedi, S., Ghosh, S., Dwivedi, S. (2023). Breaking the Bias: Gender Fairness in LLMs Using Prompt Engineering and In-Context Learning. Rupkatha Journal 15:4. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.10 

Exploring Collective Experiences: Menstruation-related Memes and Menstrual Narratives in Social Media as an Avant-garde Form of Life Writing

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371 views

Josiya P Shaju1* , Jyotsna Sinha2  & Soni Joseph3  
1,2,3 Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India.
* Corresponding author

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 15, Issue 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.09
[Article History: Received: 15 October 2023. Revised: 30 November 2023. Accepted: 01 December 2023. Published: 02 December 2023]
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Abstract

The increasing prominence of social media as a platform for collective expression has facilitated the sharing of diverse experiences, including emotions, challenges, and circumstances, within distinct social groups. Notable hashtag campaigns such as #Metoo, #HappytoBleed, #TimesUp, #HeForShe, #EverydaySexism, and #IWillGoOut exemplify this trend, as they address pertinent issues concerning women’s rights and gender equality. In this context, menstruation narratives, communicated through various mediums such as stories, oral traditions, myths, and videos, are significant in conveying the collective experiences of menstruating individuals, and fostering camaraderie and support among those who share similar encounters. The advent and widespread utilization of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, have provided menstruating individuals with an accessible avenue to share their experiences, concerns, struggles, and anxieties through diverse content formats, such as written posts, images, video blogs, and memes. Notably, memes have emerged as a particularly popular medium for articulating collective life experiences, encompassing the sphere of menstruation. Widely disseminated on social media, these memes have become influential tools for communication, encapsulating shared sentiments in a visually engaging and often humorous manner. Against this backdrop, this research paper scrutinizes social media’s emergence as a novel platform for collective life expressions, with a specific focus on menstrual memes. It delves into the realm of life writing, exploring the varied ways in which menstruating individuals utilize social media to articulate their experiences. Additionally, it sheds light on the significant communicative potential of memes on menstruation, exemplifying their capacity to foster meaningful dialogues and challenge the societal stigma surrounding this natural phenomenon.

Keywords: collective experiences, life writing, menstruation, menstruation-related memes, social media.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality
Citation: Shaju, J.P., Sinha, J. & Joseph, S.  (2023). Exploring Collective Experiences: Menstruation-related Memes and Menstrual Narratives in Social Media as an Avant-garde Form of Life Writing. Rupkatha Journal 15:4. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.09 

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Disrupting the Binary: An Argument for Cybernetic Feminism in Deconstructing AI’s Gendered Algorithms

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516 views

Mohammad Rahmatullah1*  & Tanu Gupta2  
1Research Scholar (English), Institute of Liberal Arts & Humanities, Chandigarh University. Corresponding author.
2Professor (English), Institute of Liberal Arts & Humanities, Chandigarh University

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 15, Issue 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.07
[Article History: Received: 23 October 2023. Revised: 18 November 2023. Accepted: 19 November 2023. Published: 26 November 2023]
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Abstract

This research paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the complex interplay between gender biases and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, framed through the lens of cybernetic feminism. Drawing on a rich body of interdisciplinary literature, the paper critically examines how biases are not mere reflections of existing societal norms but are intricately woven into the very architecture of algorithms. The paper delves into various sectors impacted by these biases, including healthcare and employment, and underscores the ethical and policy implications arising from the use of biased algorithms. It argues for a multi-pronged, interdisciplinary approach to address these biases, highlighting the dynamic and evolving role of cybernetic feminism as both a methodological and ethical framework. The paper also outlines potential avenues for future research, emphasizing the need for longitudinal studies and a broader understanding of intersectional identities. By synthesizing key insights from seminal works in AI ethics, feminist theory, and legal studies, this paper serves as an urgent call to action, advocating for a more equitable digital future through concerted efforts across technological, ethical, and policy domains.

Keywords: cybernetic feminism, gender biases, artificial intelligence, ethical and policy implications, interdisciplinary approach

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality
Citation: Rahmatullah, M. & Gupta, T. (2023). Disrupting the Binary: An Argument for Cybernetic Feminism in Deconstructing AI’s Gendered Algorithms. Rupkatha Journal 15:4. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.07 

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Dismantling France’s Manhood in the Prose Works of Holinshed and Sidney

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280 views

Abdulaziz Al-Mutawa    
Qatar University

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 15, Issue 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.04
[Article History: Received: 19 January 2023. Revised: 05 October 2023. Accepted: 25 October 2023. Published: 28 October 2023]
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Abstract

The socio-political dimension of the word ‘manhood’ is undoubtedly an indication of the superiority and advancement of the English over the rest of the neighboring countries, in particular France. These prose works define what nationalism is. Furthermore, it was also an indication that reflects the pride and supremacy of England and its citizens. This research aims to explore how the Elizabethans, through these two works, dealt with France and how manhood is deployed in their perspective, and how it is relevant to several epithets such as valor and courage. This study conducted a content analysis with the help of the excerpts from the two literary texts. The study concluded that in both literary works, the authors had shown religious and political bigotry and showed the influence of the Elizabethans. It depicted that Elizabethans were superior in having manhood as compared to the Frenchmen.

Keywords: Elizabethans, Holinshed Chronicles, Sidney, France, the French, manhood.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Citation: Al-Mutawa, A. (2023). Dismantling France’s Manhood in the Prose Works of Holinshed and Sidney. Rupkatha Journal 15:4. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.04 

“I Am Not Just a Man”: Chinese Butterfly’s Identity Anxiety and Ethical Predicament in David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly

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375 views

Shilong Tao1     & Xi Chen2,*      
1,2 School of Foreign Languages, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
*Corresponding author

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 15, Issue 4, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.03
[Article History: Received: 22 September 2023. Revised: 26 October 2023. Accepted: 27 October 2023. Published: 28 October 2023]
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Abstract

M. Butterfly is narrated through the memory of Western white man Rene Gallimard, which makes the audience focus on Gallimard’s behaviors and ignore the Oriental man Song Liling’s emotions, actions, and choices. However, there are many plots portraying Song as a Chinese Butterfly to deconstruct the stereotype of Madame Butterfly. This paper, from the perspective of ethical literary criticism, probes into Song’s brain texts formed in their growth and working experience and analyzes Song’s anxiety and confusion about his multiple and chaotic ethical identities, so as to demonstrate that Song is not a “dragon lady” or a “transvestite”. In China, Song is feminized and marginalized in society as “a son of a prostitute”, “a gay”, and “an Opera actor”. He wants to change the situation, so he becomes “a spy” for the Chinese government and “a lover” for Gallimard. Still, due to the failure of ethical enlightenment in childhood and the cruel social environment in China, Song is trapped in ethical predicaments of “to be or not to be”, struggling in the ethical conflicts between the honor of the individual and the interest of the nation, as well as between the desire for love and the mission from government. The song is a victim of the era and politics, and his identity anxiety and ethical predicament reflect David Henry Hwang’s position as an Asian American playwright and reveal his ethical appeal for gender equality, identity recognition and cultural confidence.

Keywords: M. Butterfly, Chinese Butterfly, ethical literary criticism, brain text, identity anxiety, ethical predicament.

Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Citation: Tao, S., & Chen, X. (2023). “I Am Not Just a Man”: Chinese Butterfly’s Identity Anxiety and Ethical Predicament in David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly. Rupkatha Journal 15:4. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n4.03 

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