Cultural Materialism in Aravind Adiga's the White Tiger: Unveiling the Economics of Oppression

Abstract

This paper examines Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger through the lens of cultural materialism, highlighting how the novel critiques the economic structures, social hierarchies, and material conditions of contemporary India. The analysis reveals how Adiga’s portrayal of class struggle between the impoverished protagonist, Balram Halwai, and his wealthy employers exposes the capitalist exploitation and deep economic disparities inherent in Indian society. The novel illustrates the internalization of oppressive ideologies and the role of globalization in exacerbating cultural and economic inequalities. By portraying Balram’s moral compromises in his pursuit of material success, Adiga critiques the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the ethical costs associated with achieving upward mobility. This cultural materialist perspective underscores the novel’s engagement with themes of class, ideology, and globalization, challenging readers to reconsider the cultural and economic systems that perpetuate inequality and exploitation.