Post-Colonial Feminism: How Did Colonization Affect POC Women

Colonization left lasting imprints on people's lives, especially on women of color. As stated by Spivak, ''If in the context of colonial production, the subaltern has no history or cannot speak, the subaltern as female is even more deeply in shadows.''

In this article, we'll shed light on how colonization shaped the experiences of women of color who are often sidelined in the bigger narrative. So let's dive into the impact it had on POC women and how these harmful notions continue even today.

Binary Gender and Patriarchy

One of the most harmful effects of Colonization on women was the imposition of Western binary gender norms on colonized societies which reinforced traditional ideas of "male" and "female" roles. This imposition led to the erasure or marginalization of non-binary or alternative gender identities that existed in indigenous cultures.

The colonial systems also reinforced patriarchal structures, emphasizing male dominance. This was often reflected in legal, economic, and social systems that marginalized women and limited their roles in public life. The imposition of colonial rule often led to the erosion of women's agency, particularly in decision-making processes. Women usually found themselves marginalized from political, economic, and educational spheres.

This system also allowed colonizers to frequently exoticize and stereotype the gender roles of colonized communities, contributing to a distorted and often dehumanizing understanding of indigenous gender norms which perpetuates harmful stereotypes that still affect perceptions today.

Eurocentric Beauty Standards

The imposition of Eurocentric beauty standards during colonization had a significant impact on how femininity was perceived. Indigenous beauty ideals were often supplanted by Western standards, influencing perceptions of attractiveness and self-worth. During colonization, a big change happened in how people thought about what was considered beautiful.

Before the colonizers came, different communities had their ideas about what was attractive. But when the colonizers arrived, they brought their standards of beauty. The phrase "beauty is in the eye of the colonizer" originated because of the impact of Eurocentric beauty standards, which made the European conception of beauty the dominant concept.

The way European people looked, with lighter skin, certain body shapes, and specific facial features, became the so-called "ideal." This idea started to replace the diverse and unique beauty ideals that different communities had before. For the people who were already living in these places, especially women, this change was a big deal. It meant that their natural features, hairstyles, and clothing were suddenly seen as not good enough.

Conclusion

Despite the negative impacts, colonization also prompted resistance and efforts to reclaim indigenous gender identities. Some communities actively worked to preserve and revitalize traditional gender roles and expressions, resisting the imposition of colonial norms. We have to understand that the experience of gender during colonization cannot be separated from other forms of oppression.

Women, especially indigenous women, often faced the intersecting forces of racism, sexism, and colonialism, creating complex and unique challenges. Understanding how colonization shaped perspectives on gender is crucial for recognizing the ongoing legacies of these historical dynamics and working towards more inclusive and equitable societies.