Gender Discrimination, Identity Crisis and Social Stratification In the The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness By Arundhati Roy

Leema Dhar

Authors

Leema Dhar Assistant Professor in Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7625-7289

Keywords:

Gender identity, Politics, Social discrimination, Identity Crisis, Hope

Abstract

Aims: This paper aims to study the power hierarchy, social discrimination and sexual identity through the lens of the contemporary society. Arundhati Roy won the Man Booker Prize in 1997 for her debut novel ‘The God Of Small Things.’ This novel in question, ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’ is a symbolical masterpiece and dives deep into the human psychology and the changing dynamics of gender-roles.

Methodology and Approaches: The study attempts to discuss in a comprehensive manner some prominent issues including corruption, sexual indifference, social in-acceptance, power and politics, capitalism, class and caste distinction that are discussed through the lives of the characters and dealt with the magnifying lens of human psychology.

Outcome: The paper reflects on how Arundhati Roy writes to demand attention and action regarding the injustice and inequality prevalent across society. She wishes to create a more sustainable world, a world that accepts people irrespective of the difference in their appearance or opinions; a better, safer and a more peaceful society to live in.

Conclusions and Suggestions: This paper highlights the struggles and challenges of the rigid caste system prevailing in the country. The writer talks about justice for humans and animals alike. It’s not in the literal sense of the term “happy novel” but every character is given a ray of hope and how they prove their unwavering strength amid times of distress and tragedy.

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Author Biography

Leema Dhar, Assistant Professor in Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology

Dr. Leema Dhar is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology. She completed her PhD in January 2021 from the department of English and MEL, Central University of Allahabad. She is currently working on her eighth book. She has written seven books, including five novels in the arena of modern English literature (three national best sellers) and two anthologies of poetry in Hindi and English respectively. She was awarded with the ‘Outstanding Woman Achiever Award 2020. She has been honoured in 28th IACS International Conference of Indo-Canadian authors in Central University of Allahabad in 2015. She is the recipient of Nari Samman in the field of Art/Literature (2016) by the U.P. State Government. She is the recipient of Women Achiever Award (2013) and Bioved Women Achiever Award (2014). SAHITYA AKADEMI included her biography in the latest edition of WHO’S WHO OF INDIAN WRITERS (2015).