gender theories - butler, mulvey Flashcards
Judith butler: what does she argue about gender performativity?
butler argues gender is not something we are, but something we do. its a series of acts/performances that society expects us to repeat
Judith butler: how does she challenge essentialism?
butler challenges the idea that gender is biologically determined. instead, she believes gender is socially constructed and performed
Judith butler: what does she argue about the influence of language?
butler argues language plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of gender. when we label someone ‘male’ or ‘female’, we are participating in creating those identities
Judith butler: what does she say about gender norms?
butler discusses how societal norms dictate what is considered appropriate behaviour for different genders. these norms are reinforced through repetition
Judith butler: what does she argue about subversion of gender norms?
butler believes that by performing gender differently, we can challenge/change these norms which opens up possibilities for new ways of expressing gender
Judith butler: what does she argue about power and gender?
butler explains that gender norms are a way for society to control people. these norms are reinforced by institutions (school, media). however, people can challenge these norms by behaving in ways that don’t fit traditional gender roles
Judith butler: what does she argue about gender and bodies?
butler believes our understanding of bodies is shaped by society. what we think of as a ‘natural’ different between male and female bodies are influenced by cultural/social norms. this means our ideas can change depending on how society views them
Laura mulvey: what is her theory called?
the male gaze
Laura mulvey: what does she argue about the position film puts the spectator in?
she argues that film put the spectator in a masculine position, with the figure of the woman on screen as the object of desire
Laura mulvey: how does the camera position audiences?
the camera is positioned the audience to look at women through the eyes of men
Laura mulvey: what is the female characters role?
“to-be-looked-at-ness”
Laura mulvey: what are the 2 distinct forms of this gaze?
voyeuristic: seeing women as images to be looked at
fetishistic: seeing women as a substitute for the lack of male sexualisation
Laura mulvey: female characters will always hold an appearance coded for what?
female characters will always hold an ‘appearance coded for strong visual impact’
Laura mulvey: the woman is inserted into the film as what?
the female character is inserted into the film as a way of supporting the male role and ‘bearing the burden of sexual objectification that the male cannot’
Laura mulvey: is the male gaze deliberate?
she says the effect of the male gaze is not deliberate, but is a consequence of an industry dominated by men
Laura mulvey: what is her key point?
that under the dominant ideology of patriarchy, women in film are inevitably tied to desire
