About
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak is a highly influential Indian scholar, literary theorist, and feminist critic. She holds the distinguished title of University Professor at Columbia University and is a founding member of the Institute for Comparative Literature and Society. Spivak is best known for her work on postcolonialism, deconstruction, and Marxism, challenging traditional Western perspectives and giving voice to marginalized communities. Her writings have profoundly impacted literary studies and critical theory.
Career Timeline
Published translation of 'Of Grammatology'
Spivak's translation brought Derrida's work to a wider audience, establishing her as a key figure in literary theory.
Published 'Can the Subaltern Speak?'
This essay became a seminal work in postcolonial studies, solidifying Spivak's reputation.
Appointed University Professor at Columbia
This prestigious position recognized Spivak's significant contributions to academia.
Received Kyoto Prize
The Kyoto Prize further elevated Spivak's status as a leading intellectual.
Continued Work on Postcolonialism
Ongoing scholarship and publications keep Spivak's ideas relevant in contemporary debates.
Legacy in Postcolonial Studies
Spivak's scholarship continues to shape discussions on postcolonialism and feminism, and she remains an influential figure in critical theory.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026