3.4 Butler's theory of gender performativity

Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity challenges the idea that gender is innate. Instead, it suggests gender is a social construct, enacted through repeated behaviors and gestures shaped by societal norms.

This theory fits into the broader discussion of social constructionism versus essentialism in gender and sexuality. It emphasizes how gender is performed and reinforced through social interactions, rather than being a fixed biological trait.

Foundations of Gender Performativity

Judith Butler's Theory of Gender Performativity

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• Judith Butler, a prominent philosopher and gender theorist, developed the concept of gender performativity in her groundbreaking book "Gender Trouble" (1990)
• Gender performativity posits that gender is not an inherent or natural attribute, but rather a socially constructed performance that individuals enact through repeated actions, gestures, and behaviors
• Butler challenges the notion of gender as a stable identity, arguing that it is a fluid and dynamic process shaped by societal norms and expectations
• The heterosexual matrix, a term coined by Butler, refers to the societal assumption that heterosexuality is the default and natural sexual orientation, which reinforces binary gender roles and expectations

The Social Construction of Gender

• Butler's theory of gender performativity is rooted in the idea that gender is a social construct rather than an innate biological characteristic
• Society prescribes certain behaviors, roles, and expectations based on an individual's perceived gender, which individuals internalize and perform
• Gender norms vary across cultures and historical periods, demonstrating the socially constructed nature of gender
• The social construction of gender perpetuates power imbalances and inequalities, as individuals who deviate from prescribed gender norms often face discrimination and marginalization

Performative Acts and Citationality

Performative Acts and the Repetition of Gender

• Performative acts are the repeated actions, gestures, and behaviors that individuals engage in to construct and maintain their gender identity
• These acts are not a one-time event but a continuous process of "doing" gender through everyday interactions and performances
• Examples of performative acts include clothing choices, mannerisms, speech patterns, and adherence to gender-specific roles and expectations
• The repetition of these acts over time creates the illusion of a stable and coherent gender identity, although it is actually a constantly evolving performance

Citationality and the Reproduction of Gender Norms

• Citationality refers to the way in which individuals' gender performances cite or reference pre-existing gender norms and conventions
• When individuals perform gender, they are not creating something entirely new but rather drawing upon a shared cultural understanding of what it means to be masculine or feminine
• By citing these norms, individuals simultaneously reinforce and reproduce the gender binary and associated power structures
• However, citationality also allows for the possibility of subversion and resistance, as individuals can choose to cite gender norms in non-normative or transgressive ways

Subversion through Performance

Drag as a Subversive Act

• Drag performances, in which individuals dress and perform as the opposite gender, serve as a powerful example of how gender can be subverted through performance
• By exaggerating and parodying gender stereotypes, drag queens and kings expose the constructed nature of gender and challenge the notion of gender as a natural or fixed identity
• Drag performances highlight the performative aspects of gender by demonstrating how gender can be consciously adopted, manipulated, and transformed
• Through drag, performers can critique and destabilize dominant gender norms, creating space for alternative expressions of gender and sexuality

Subversion and Resistance to Gender Norms

• Butler's theory of gender performativity opens up possibilities for subversion and resistance to oppressive gender norms and expectations
• By recognizing gender as a performance, individuals can consciously choose to perform gender in ways that challenge or disrupt dominant narratives
• Subversive gender performances can include adopting non-binary or gender-fluid identities, engaging in gender-nonconforming behaviors, or actively resisting gender-based discrimination and violence
• These acts of subversion and resistance can contribute to the destabilization of rigid gender categories and the creation of more inclusive and equitable societies