Butlers theory of gender performativity

• Who is the theorist associated with the theory of gender performativity?

  Judith Butler
• What is the main focus of Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity?


  It emphasizes that gender is a social construct based on repeated behaviors.
• What is the difference between biological sex and gender?


  Biological sex refers to physical attributes, while gender is a social construct.
• How do people often confuse the terms gender and biological sex?


  People often use gender to mean biological sex, leading to misunderstandings.
• What are some examples of biological sex characteristics?


  Reproductive organs, DNA, and genitals.
• What does Judith Butler mean by gender being a construct based on actions?


  Gender is shaped by the repeated performance of certain behaviors.
• How might performing feminine behaviors affect one's gender identity according to Butler?


  Regularly performing feminine behaviors can reinforce one's identity as female.
• How does Butler's theory relate to media representations of gender?


  Media can reinforce gender identities through the portrayal of repeated behaviors.
• What are some examples of behaviors that Judith Butler associates with femininity?


  • Putting on makeup
  • Wearing high heels
  • Dressing in traditionally feminine clothing
• How does Zoella's online presence relate to Butler's theory of gender performativity?


  Her vlogs showcase repeated feminine rituals that construct ideas about gender identity.
• How can students analyze gender construction in media products?


  By examining whether behaviors are presented as necessary for gender identity.
• What is the significance of performing gender rituals according to Butler?


  • They shape and reinforce one's gender identity.
  • They can challenge traditional gender norms.
  • They are essential for understanding gender as a social construct.
• Who is the author of the concept of gender as performance?

  Judith Butler
• What is the main focus of Butler's theoretical work?

  Gendered identities and their performance
• Which theorists does Butler primarily critique in her work?

  Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan
• How does Butler describe the formation of gendered identities?

  Through continuous performance of gendered behavior
• What role does the media play in gender identity according to Butler?

  It provides templates for gender-based performances
• What does Butler argue about the nature of masculinity and femininity?

  They are maintained by everyday acts
• What are the key concepts in Butler's theory of gender performance?

  • Gendered identities are constructed through repetition and ritual
  • Gender is not stable but continuously performed
  • Heteronormativity is the dominant identity mode
  • Subversion of gender norms is difficult and painful
• What does Butler highlight from Lévi-Strauss's anthropological work?

  Myths reflect and define our relationships
• How does Lévi-Strauss view male power in myths?

  It reinforces males as the dominant gender
• What does Butler suggest about the representation of non-heterosexual identities?

  They are socially suppressed in favor of heteronormativity
• What is the impact of absent representation in media according to Butler?

  It reinforces heteronormativity as the norm
• What percentage of American prime time shows featured non-heterosexual characters in 2018?

  8.8 percent
• How does Butler describe abjected representations in media?

  They present alternatives as disturbing or unnatural
• What is the effect of parodic representations in media?

  They reinforce the performative nature of gender
• What does Butler mean by "gender trouble"?

  It refers to the challenges of non-normative identities
• What are the processes Butler identifies that marginalize non-heteronormative identities?

  • Absent representation
  • Abjected representations
  • Parodic representations
• Who are the two theorists that might challenge Butler's thinking?

  David Gauntlett and Liesbet van Zoonen
• What does David Gauntlett suggest about contemporary media practices?

  They allow for diverse identity construction
• How does Liesbet van Zoonen view the media's role in gender identity?

  It reinforces male power through internalization