Behinds Quote by Judith Butler
“Gender is not something that one is, it is something one does, an act... a "doing" rather than a "being". There is no gender identity behind the expressions of gender; that identity is performatively constituted by the very "expressions" that are said to be its results. If the immutable character of sex is contested, perhaps this construct called 'sex' is as culturally constructed as gender; indeed, perhaps it was always already gender, with the consequence that the distinction between sex and gender turns out to be no distinction at all.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Gender Trouble, 1990
Gender is performed through actions and expressions, not an inherent identity; sex and gender are socially constructed.
In simple terms: Gender is an act, not a being.
Key Takeaway
Recognize gender as performance.
Themes
gender theory
performance
social construct
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- policy making
- media representation
Key Concepts
identity
power
culture
norms
Questions to Reflect On
- In what ways do you perform gender?
- How does this view affect policy?
A Different Perspective
Performative view may overlook biological aspects.
