Decolonial discourse and gender representation

Abstract

This article explores the intersection of decolonial discourse and gender representation in Kazakh literature, emphasizing that a gender perspective is essential for understanding freedom, individuality, and social justice as cultural categories. The study aims to trace the transformation of the female image in Kazakh literature through decolonial methodology, gender analysis, and feminist critique. It shows that during the Soviet period, gender dimensions were strategically used to legitimize colonial domination. By engaging with decolonial feminism, the article reconsiders the functions of female images within historical, social, and cultural contexts, identifying distinctive features of their representation across colonial and postcolonial periods and underscoring the lasting effects of Soviet gender policies.

Attention to local particularities reveals how patriarchal and colonial practices intersect, shaping women’s status and identity. The findings suggest that integrating decolonial and feminist approaches deepens our understanding of gender equality in contemporary society and allows for critical reevaluation of established literary interpretations of female figures. The originality of the study lies in its synthesis of decolonial methodology and feminist critique, offering new avenues for scholarly inquiry. The results are relevant not only for literary studies but also for broader research on social and cultural modernization.