The Performative Turn

The Performative Turn refers to a shift in understanding how language and actions shape reality, especially in fields like philosophy, sociology, and literature. Instead of seeing words as just describing the world, it emphasizes that speaking or acting can actually create or transform situations, identities, and social norms. For example, when a judge says “I pronounce you husband and wife,” the act of saying those words officially makes a marriage happen. This perspective highlights how language is not only descriptive but also performative—capable of performing actions and influencing real-world outcomes.