Celibacy, Sexuality, and the Transformation of Gender into Nationalism in North India

Citation:

Alter, Joseph S. 1994. “Celibacy, Sexuality, and the Transformation of Gender into Nationalism in North India.” The Journal of Asian Studies 53 (1): 45–66.

Author: Joseph S. Alter

Abstract:

JOSEPH ALTER examines the present-day use of the Hindu concept of brahmacharya (celibacy) as it relates to questions of gender and nationalism in North India. He argues that the practice of celibacy can be best understood as a form of political action directed against the post-colonial forces of desire. He shows how the discourse on celibacy has focused on the bio-moral nature of semen, and on how semen is taken to embody truth. Because semen is inherently male, he argues, the present-day discourse on nationalism has become increasingly centered on males as the source of truth. Celibacy thus has become the agency for a form of gendered nationalism.

Topics: Coloniality/Post-Coloniality, Gender, Men, Nationalism, Religion, Sexuality Regions: Asia, South Asia Countries: India

Year: 1994

© 2024 CONSORTIUM ON GENDER, SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTSLEGAL STATEMENT All photographs used on this site, and any materials posted on it, are the property of their respective owners, and are used by permission. Photographs: The images used on the site may not be downloaded, used, or reproduced in any way without the permission of the owner of the image. Materials: Visitors to the site are welcome to peruse the materials posted for their own research or for educational purposes. These materials, whether the property of the Consortium or of another, may only be reproduced with the permission of the owner of the material. This website contains copyrighted materials. The Consortium believes that any use of copyrighted material on this site is both permissive and in accordance with the Fair Use doctrine of 17 U.S.C. § 107. If, however, you believe that your intellectual property rights have been violated, please contact the Consortium at info@genderandsecurity.org.