From Empowerment to Suppression: Examining Gender Dynamics through Material Feminist Lens in A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini

Abstract

This study investigates Khaled Hosseini's novel A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007) utilizing materialist feminism theory by Alaimo and Hekman (2008) with Nancy Fraser's Distribution justice theory. It aims to unfold how material developments or changes give rise to new gender roles within the narrative of this novel. Employing materialist feminism, the study sheds light on the oppression and subjugation of women in society, as depicted through the characters Mariam and Laila. According to the researcher’s stance, this novel delves into the experiences of women in a country undergoing socio-political transformations. So, the societal impact of these new gender roles brought about by social change is examined in this article with a proposition that the material development of Afghanistan has revesed the role of women within its community due to the political transformation. For this purpose, the study has used an intricate interplay between gender and power within the novel, employing materialist feminism theory to elucidate the lives of its female characters and protagonists amidst the backdrop of political turmoil in Afghanistan. Its significance lies in understanding how social, political, and economic factors affect gender in underdeveloped countries due to its geopolitical reality. The study elucidates how material conditions shape the experiences of Mariam and Laila and underscores the impact of economic circumstances on gender-based oppression. By scrutinizing women's access to resources and opportunities, the research concludes that social, economic, and political factors contribute to gender-based inequalities. Ultimately, this study advocates for a comprehensive understanding of women's struggles and challenges, emphasizing the need for societal change to address gender-based issues.