Judith Butler's Theory of Gender Performativity

Introduction

• Aims to clarify misconceptions about gender, biological sex, and sexuality.
• Gender is often confused with biological sex.

Key Definitions

• Biological Sex: Involves physical attributes such as reproductive organs, DNA, and genitals (e.g., XX chromosomes for females).
• Gender: A social construct related to how individuals feel inside and how they behave (e.g., feminine or masculine behavior).

Judith Butler's Theory

• Gender is a construct based on performed actions and behaviors.
• Gender Performativity: Repeated actions or behaviors contribute to the construction of gender identity.

Examples of Gender Performance

• Feminine Behavior: Putting on makeup, wearing high heels, dresses.
• Masculine Behavior: Playing football, drinking beer, aggressive behavior, sexist language.

Application to Media Products

• Media can construct ideas about gender identity through repeated rituals.

Zoella (Online Media Example)

• Repeated behaviors in vlogs such as putting on makeup, discussing clothes.
• Constructs identity of femininity through these repeated actions.

Huck Magazine (Beyond Binary Section)

• Interviews with individuals like Arabia Felix and Jacob Tobia.
• Arabia Felix: Vlogging, makeup, drag; constructs gender identity beyond traditional norms.
• Jacob Tobia: Identifies as gender non-binary, uses feminine clothing and makeup to challenge binary gender norms.

Analytical Application

• Evaluate whether media texts imply specific rituals to express gender identity.
• Consider if media suggests certain behaviors are essential to feel masculine or feminine.

Conclusion

• Butler's theory encourages examining how rituals and performances construct gender identity beyond binary stereotypes.
• Useful for analyzing media and understanding gender identity creation.