Patriarchal Subjugation of Women in Sabyn Javeri’s Hijabistan: A Feminist Perspective

Abstract

In patriarchal societies, men maintain control on multiple aspects of life, resulting in the marginalization, exploitation, suppression, and othering of women. This research article aims to investigate the depiction of women’s subjugation within the patriarchal societal structure as depicted in the selected short stories from Sabyn Javeri’s anthology Hijabistan, using feminism as theoretical lens. Hijabistan is a significant feminist work that highlights how patriarchal societal structures manipulate women as mere instruments, relegating them to the status of second-class citizens—viewed as inferior, othered, and subaltern. Javeri, the author, critically explores how patriarchal system objectifies and controls women’s agency, identities, and bodies. A close reading of the selected short stories demonstrates that patriarchal societal system perpetuates exploitation, suppression, and marginalization of women. It reinforces male dominance by silencing and marginalizing women. Moreover, this research paper will contribute meaningfully to the existing body of feminist literature.