Digital resistance

A critical analysis of anti-caste activism in the digital sphere

Bibliographic Data

ID12255180
AuthorsAnantha Raman (0000-0002-0833-3550, SRM Institute of Science and Technology), P Anantha Raman (SRM Institute of Science and Technology, corresponding author), V Ratnamala (0000-0001-7048-4395, Mizoram University)
Year2026
Pages1-24
Publication date2026-03-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Gender Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0958-9236 • E-ISSN: 1465-3869
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09589236.2026.2633723
OpenAlexW7134082020
LanguageEN
References cited26

The caste system in India is based on occupational inheritance and a restricted social hierarchy in which the birth of a particular caste determines its position in society. In the modern era, individuals’ identity is defined by their caste. Among the lowest castes, severe illiteracy and a lack of information about support services leave many people suffering in an increasingly complicated technological environment. They frequently feel disoriented and struggle to understand the intricacies of the contemporary technological world. The determined efforts of Dalit activists stand as beacons of light in these difficult conditions. Dalit activists are pivotal in addressing these challenges, dedicated to confronting systemic inequities and championing marginalized voices for positive change. They provide support to the people who are marginalized, making sure that their issues are recognized and taken up in a larger public forum. This research examines how Dalit women activists use the social media platform X to advocate for Dalit rights, engage in anti-caste conversations, and build solidarity against long-standing caste prejudice. This study employs critical caste studies as a lens to study the phenomenon of Dalit activism on social media. Netnography is the technique used, with participants being observed and concentrating on online fieldwork.

Critical discourse analysis · Key (lock · Media, Religion, Digital Communication · Social Media and Politics · South Asian Cinema and Culture

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