Gender Performative Theory

Gender Performative Theory, developed by philosopher Judith Butler, suggests that gender is not an inherent quality but rather something we express and enact through our behaviors, language, and appearances. According to this theory, gender is a social performance that is shaped by cultural norms and expectations. It emphasizes that by repeatedly acting in ways deemed appropriate for a particular gender, individuals help to create and reinforce the notion of gender itself. This perspective challenges traditional views of gender as fixed, highlighting its fluidity and the role of society in shaping our understanding of what it means to be male or female.