Global Capitalism, Gender Norms, and Resistance: A Marxist Perspective on Talking of Muskaan

Abstract

This article examines the intersections of globalization, gender, and class through a Marxist framework in HimanjaliSankar’s Talking of Muskaan. Set against the backdrop of modern Indian society, the novel explores the struggles of a queer protagonist, Muskaan, as she grapples with societal expectations, gender norms, and capitalist structures that marginalize non-conforming identities. Through a critical analysis of the narrative, this article argues that globalization, while often seen as a force for progress, perpetuates patriarchal and capitalist ideologies that reinforce traditional gender roles and exacerbate social inequalities. By situating Muskaan’s experiences within the broader context of global capitalism, the article highlights how gender and class oppression are intertwined, with the commodification of queer identities emerging as a key theme. This Marxist reading reveals how the novel critiques both local and global systems of power, while advocating for resistance against the capitalist and patriarchal forces that regulate gender and sexuality in a globalized world.