subaltern

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Subaltern is a word used to indicate an individual or group that is marginalised or sidelined in a society or an organisation due to their lower rank, status, or class.

Examples in Different Contexts

In tech teams, 'subaltern' tasks, though seeming minor, can be foundational. A project lead might emphasize, 'Even the subaltern coding tasks are essential for the project's overall stability.'

Practice Scenarios

Public-Policy

Scenario:

Our policies should be designed keeping in mind the interest of every citizen, not just the economically privileged ones.

Response:

Certainly. We need to put much more thought into the needs of subaltern groups in our future policymaking.

Academics

Scenario:

Historically, many societies denied basic rights to certain groups. This is why studying such periods is fundamental to understanding current social structures.

Response:

Indeed, the subaltern studies we've been doing recently are pointing out some glaring historical injustices.