Revisiting Postcolonialism and Religion

Abstract

This essay will review contemporary developments in postcolonialism and Religious Studies. One compelling reason for such a review is that globalization is regarded by many as a contemporary version of colonialism—not necessarily undertaken by nation states, but by international business conglomerates, with similar untoward effects. Particularly, it will survey the effects of globalization and further adaptations that may still need to be undertaken in light of its incursions. It will also be concerned with the alteration in strategies by certain scholars in response to these changes, especially as they affect the understanding of the terms ‘culture’ and ‘gender’. As a concrete example, the current work of Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak and Chandra Talpade Mohanty will be discussed.