Perfomativity and Intersectionality

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Questions and Answers

What does intersectionality emphasize in terms of identity analysis?

Human experiences are complex and cannot be defined through a single identity. (correct)

Individuals can be understood through a single identity marker.

Intersectionality is primarily concerned with the economic status of individuals.

Identity is solely shaped by societal norms and pressures.

Which activist is associated with challenging the essentialist notions of femininity for Black women?

Kate Millet

Sojourner Truth (correct)

Betty Friedan

Gloria Steinem

Judith Butler is primarily known for her work in which area?

Historical analysis of feminist movements

Intersectionality of race and class

Gender performativity and feminism (correct)

Economic theories related to gender

What aspect of social identity does intersectionality primarily analyze?

The interplay between various social identities Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of intersectionality as described in the content?

To act as an analytic tool for understanding human experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of drag performances according to Shapiro's work?

To interrogate and reshape gender identities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of gender non-conformity?

Embracing identities that disrupt established gender norms Signup and view all the answers

How does drag kinging affect performers' gender identities?

It often leads to undefined shifts in gender identity. Signup and view all the answers

What does Shapiro suggest is a consequence of societal norms regarding gender?

They lead to the marginalization of non-conforming individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which action exemplifies gender subversion?

Women adopting traditionally masculine ways of expression. Signup and view all the answers

What role do everyday actions play in the constitution of gender identities?

They serve to reinforce existing norms and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

In drag performances, what is often exaggerated or imitated?

Social constructs of gender expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What does the act of cross-dressing illustrate about gender identity?

It shows that clothing does not dictate one's identity. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Combahee River Collective?

To emphasize an intersectional approach for Black women Signup and view all the answers

What does Kimberlé Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality primarily address?

The interconnectedness of various systems of oppression Signup and view all the answers

Judith Butler's 'Gender Trouble' challenges which of the following concepts?

The binary distinctions between sex and gender Signup and view all the answers

According to Collins & Bilge, what does the concept of social location imply?

An individual's perspective is influenced by their positioning within intersecting systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a guiding principle of intersectionality related to social inequalities?

Intersecting power relations create complex social inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect does the guiding principle of 'Complexity of Social Inequalities' emphasize?

Understanding social issues requires acknowledging multifaceted inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What criticism does Judith Butler have regarding the category of 'women' in feminism?

It is too rigid and does not account for cultural variations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guiding principle associated with intersectionality?

Historical Analysis of Feminism Signup and view all the answers

What does Butler argue about the nature of gender identities?

They are constructed through repeated actions. Signup and view all the answers

How does Butler critique traditional psychoanalytic narratives?

By highlighting the complexities of desire and repression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of drag performances in Butler's argument?

They reveal the artificiality of gender categories. Signup and view all the answers

What does Butler advocate for in identity politics?

Embracing multiplicity and fluidity in gender expression. Signup and view all the answers

What role do social norms play in Butler's concept of gender?

They enforce and shape performative gender expressions. Signup and view all the answers

In Butler's view, what is the nature of gender performance?

An ongoing series of actions influenced by norms. Signup and view all the answers

How does Butler describe the relationship between prohibitions against homosexuality and identity formation?

They contribute to the construction of identity within a heterosexual framework. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of viewing gender as performative, according to Butler?

It allows for greater acceptance of diverse identities. Signup and view all the answers

What do performers commonly experience regarding their onstage and offstage identities?

A split between onstage personas and offstage selves Signup and view all the answers

How do drag kings typically portray masculinity during performances?

Through exaggerated masculine stereotypes Signup and view all the answers

What role does cultural context play in drag king performances?

It shapes performances that can disrupt traditional norms Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of community is emphasized in drag kinging?

Empowerment through connections within queer communities Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of humor in drag king performances?

It critiques hegemonic masculinity Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'multiple self dynamics' refer to in drag kinging?

The coexistence of different onstage and offstage identities Signup and view all the answers

How do drag kings differ in their use of camp compared to drag queens?

They utilize humor without necessarily relying on camp Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'hegemonic masculinity' in the context of drag kinging?

It is critiqued and exposed through performances Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Performativity and Intersectionality

This week's topic focuses on performativity and intersectionality.
Defining gender performativity and intersectionality are key learning outcomes.
Examining gender and other social identities' connections and power dynamics is another learning outcome.
Analyzing gender performativity and intersectionality in practice is a third learning outcome.

Outline of Presentation

Intersectionality's historical development and definition
Judith Butler's perspective on gender trouble
Eve Shapiro's analysis of drag kinging

Intersectionality

Intersectionality is an analytical tool for social analysis.
It emphasizes that individuals cannot be understood through a single identity marker.
It explores the complexity of human experiences.

Historical Development of Intersectionality

Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" speech highlighted the struggles of Black women.
The Combahee River Collective (1970s) emphasized the need for an intersectional approach.
Kimberlé Crenshaw's work highlighted the need to address the unique experiences of Black women.
Intersectionality gained further importance with the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Guiding Principles of Intersectionality

Social categories like race, class, and gender are interconnected and shape power relations and social inequalities.
Power relations produce multifaceted social inequalities which cannot be understood in isolation.
Individuals' positions within intersecting systems affect their experiences and perspectives.
Analyses of problems require understanding how these intersecting categories function in specific contexts.

Judith Butler's Gender Trouble

Butler challenges traditional notions of gender identity.
She argues gender is socially constructed, not biologically determined.
The book analyzes the binary distinction between sex and gender and criticises a stable feminist subject.
Butler argues that gender is performative and constructed through repeated actions.

Eve Shapiro's Drag Kinging

Shapiro examines the transformative potential of drag kinging.
Her work explores how drag kinging influences individual gender identity.
She highlights the on and offstage dynamics of drag performers.
Shapiro views drag kinging as a cultural practice that challenges traditional views of gender.
The act critically analyzes the social construction of gender.
Performers' use of humor to subvert gender norms.

Key Themes in Butler's Gender Trouble

Gender is a socially constructed performance rather than an inherent identity.
Gender performance is about actions, behaviors, and societal norms.
Gender norms are reinforced through social sanctions and cultural expectations.

Everyday Examples of Gender Subversion

Drag performance mimics and exaggerates gender norms to expose their artificiality.
Gender non-conformity involves not conforming to societal expectations of assigned sex at birth.
Cross-dressing challenges gender binary notions, showing clothing and appearance do not define identity.

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