Theories of Performativity

Theories of performativity explore how certain actions, words, or symbols can create or reinforce social realities, rather than just describing them. For example, when someone says “I do” in a wedding, they are not just describing a marriage—they are performing the act that officially establishes it. These theories highlight that language and behaviors do not merely reflect the world but can actively shape and produce social phenomena, identities, or institutions through their very enactment. In essence, performativity emphasizes that language and actions have the power to bring about change, not just discuss it.