Issues of class, race, and identity occupy a central place in postcolonial discourse because colonial rule profoundly shaped social hierarchies and cultural identities in formerly colonized societies. Colonial administrations often established racial classifications and economic structures that privileged certain groups while marginalizing others, creating long-lasting inequalities that continue to influence social relations in postcolonial contexts. In modern postcolonial literature, writers frequently explore these social realities by depicting characters who confront discrimination, economic inequality, and cultural marginalization. Through these narratives, literature provides valuable insight into how individuals negotiate complex identities shaped by overlapping social and historical forces.
The aim of this study is to examine how modern postcolonial literary narratives represent the intersections of class, race, and identity. The research focuses on how authors portray characters whose identities are influenced by both racial hierarchies and social class divisions, highlighting the ways in which these factors interact to shape personal and collective experiences. Particular attention is given to the concept of intersectionality and its role in understanding the complexities of identity formation in postcolonial societies. This study employs a qualitative research methodology based on textual and interpretive analysis of selected postcolonial literary works. Using a postcolonial critical framework combined with an intersectional perspective, the research analyzes how themes of race, class, and social inequality are represented within literary narratives.
The findings indicate that postcolonial literature often portrays identity as a dynamic process shaped by the intersection of multiple social categories, including race and class. Characters frequently navigate overlapping systems of marginalization and privilege, demonstrating how identity formation is influenced by historical and structural inequalities. By highlighting these intersections, the study contributes to postcolonial literary scholarship and emphasizes the importance of intersectional approaches in understanding the complex social realities represented in modern postcolonial literature.