Redefining the Gender Roles in a Post Apocalyptic Society: A Critique of Bina Shah’s The Moonsoon War

Abstract

The paper aims to study oppressive state apparatus in a  post apocalyptic society;  the patriarchal structures, subjugation on the basis of gender and women’s fight to reclaim their control on the  reproductive system within the oppressive system portrayed by Shah in the text The Monsoon War (2023). The study is qualitative in nature while Firestone’s (1970) perspective of Radical Feminism (1970) is applied as a theoretical lens to investigate the issues of polygamy and unnatural lifestyle. The objective of the study is to save natural order of the women reproductive system which is now controlled by state and it works on the purposeful mission to be fulfilled. The findings of the study highlights the intersections of power and gender together with a focus on biological subjugation of the women on the basis of state driven rules which goes beyond natural and ethical boundaries. It encompasses the prophetic narration of technological advancement to be used; which enhances the role of artificial child womb centers to fulfill the childbearing demands  as per state agenda. In conclusion, women subvert the dominant gender roles and norms in the particular text to regain their right of childbearing without any state agendas to be fulfilled.