Judith Butler

Question 1

◦ Feminist theory has traditionally assumed there is a pre-existing “subject”
(woman) which serves as the basis for political representation.
◦ Butler asks, but what is “woman?”
◦ “Subjects are only determined by the society in which they are placed and
the available discourse.”
◦ In other words, individuals can only operate within their realm of possibility.
Or what is intelligible to them.

Answer 1

Gender Trouble: The “Subject” of Feminism

Question 2

◦ Butler argues that gender proceeds sex in that cultural ideas about
gender are placed upon sex to reify both.
◦ For instance, intersex bodies have sex and gender inscribed upon them
even though they do not “fit” either.
◦ Thus, sex is seen as natural and pre-discursive to reinforce the cultural
notions associated with gender—when it isn’t.

Answer 2

Gender Trouble: Sex and Gender

Question 3

gender is not a fixed identity, but a performance
constructed through repeated, often unconscious, actions
shaped by societal norms and expectations

Answer 3

Performativity

Question 4

◦ Performativity: gender is not a fixed identity, but a performance
constructed through repeated, often unconscious, actions
shaped by societal norms and expectations.
◦ “The body is not simply a biological vessel for gender but a site
where gender is performed. Through clothing, gestures, and
other bodily practices, we perform our gender identity.”

Answer 4

Gender Trouble: Gender is Performative

Question 5

◦ Born This Way?
“I’m beautiful in my way ‘cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way
Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself, and you’re set
I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way (born this way)”
Lady Gaga
◦ Butler disagrees with this…
◦ Innateness and the politics of recognition can be exclusionary.
◦ Argues for a more inclusive and fluid conception of identity.

Answer 5

Identities are not innate but rather constructed via performativity.

Gender Trouble: Gender is Performative

Question 6

◦ Thus, a new feminist politics should recognize and celebrate
the diversity of gender experiences and identities, rather than
striving for a singular, unified identity.
◦ Actively disrupt the idea of gender, sex, sexuality, and
identity itself.

Answer 6

◦ Performativity suggests that identities and social norms are
constructed through repeated actions and behaviors.
Gender Trouble: New Feminist Politics