Privileged Minorities

In Privileged Minorities, Sonja Thomas explores the dynamics of privilege among Syrian Christians in Kerala, focusing on women's experiences and broader social issues.

Although they represent a minority in Kerala, India, Syrian Christians hold a position of privilege in terms of caste, race, and class. This community has long enjoyed significant economic and social benefits due to their advantageous status. In Privileged Minorities, Sonja Thomas focuses specifically on Syrian Christian women, using their experiences to shed light on broader issues of oppression, privilege, and the intersections of race, religion, and secularism within the Indian context.

Thomas employs a diverse array of sources, including oral histories, ethnographic interviews, and legislative assembly debates, to delve into the intricate relationships between religious rights and women's rights in Kerala. Through an intersectional lens, informed by the theories of US women of color feminists, she reveals how race, caste, gender, religion, and politics are deeply interconnected. The book illustrates the complex dynamics of power and privilege, highlighting how these factors shape the experiences of individuals within the Syrian Christian community.

By examining the inequalities that exist within groups, Privileged Minorities provides insights into the varied experiences of religious and political movements, particularly in the context of feminist and rights-based activism. Thomas's work encourages the reimagining of feminist solidarities that transcend boundaries of religion, caste, race, and class, offering a fresh perspective on collective action and advocacy for women's rights.