Deliberate Quote by Judith Butler
“In the first instance, performativity must be understood not as a singular or deliberate ‘act,’ but, rather, as the reiterative and citational practice by which discourse produces the effects that it names”
About This Quote
Source Book: Gender Trouble, 1990
Performativity is a repeated, citation‑based practice that creates the reality it names, not a single intentional act.
In simple terms: Repeated actions shape reality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how repeated discourse creates meaning.
Themes
gender
power
language
identity
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- media narratives
- educational curricula
- social media posts
Key Concepts
social construction
citational practice
repetition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does repeated language shape your self‑identity?
- Can you identify a citation that creates its own effect?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual agency in structural analysis.
