Deconstructing Stereotypes in the Liminal Phases: A Postcolonial Feminist Analysis of An Educated Woman in Prostitution

Abstract

Postcolonial Indians’ psyche has been colonised by the long effects of colonial and patriarchal stereotypes. Stereotypes work as a master’s tool in hindering the freedom of postcolonial Indian women. Due to the impact of this two-fold domination (colonial and patriarchal stereotypes) in the lives of postcolonial Indian women, they are forced to endure their sufferings and are oppressed to remain passive. Postcolonial feminism theory uncovers the unknown struggles endured by various voiceless categories and unrecognised social divisions of third world women. The memoir, An Educated Woman in Prostitution, was chosen for the study as it documents the traumatic life transition of a young girl choosing sex work as her identity in the Indian context. The effects of socio-political principles and dogmatic patriarchal stereotypes constructed around sex workers are transparently discussed in the text. The article employs Arnold van Gennep’s anthropological concepts, the three phases of liminality (preliminal, liminal and postliminal) from The Rites of Passage, to closely observe the life transitions and decisions made by the protagonist. The study utilises these phases of liminality to trace the survival strategies employed by the protagonist and other female characters in dismantling stereotypes and gaining freedom of choice. Conclusively, the study employs a qualitative analysis of Manada Devi’s memoir, drawing upon the theoretical exploration of liminal phases and stereotypes from a postcolonial feminist standpoint. The study identifies the transitional phase during which the protagonist breaks stereotypes and reintegrates into society with a new identity.