Abstract:
Judith Butler's seminal work, "Gender Trouble" (1990), has profoundly reshaped discussions on gender and feminism across the globe. Butler's theory of gender performativity challenges conventional notions of gender as a fixed, biological attribute, proposing instead that gender is a socially constructed performance. This theoretical framework has sparked significant dialogue and reinterpretation in various cultural contexts, including India, where traditional gender norms are deeply entrenched. Judith Butler’s theory by proposing that gender is not a fixed identity but a performative construct shaped through social practices and norms. Butler argues that traditional gender binaries (male/female) are socially enforced and that gender identity is fluid, emerging from repeated acts and behaviours rather than inherent traits. This theory challenges essentialist notions of gender and opens up possibilities for rethinking gender roles and identities. In the Indian context, Butler’s ideas offer a critical framework for examining and deconstructing entrenched gender norms influenced by cultural, religious, and historical factors. Indian feminism, which has traditionally focused on gender roles within the framework of caste, class, and religion, can utilize Butler’s concept of gender performativity to challenge and redefine these norms. The intersectional nature of Indian feminist movements aligns with Butler’s theories, addressing how gender interacts with other social categories. However, applying Butler’s framework also requires adaptation to address India’s unique cultural and social dynamics, integrating local perspectives and practices to achieve a more nuanced understanding of gender and social justice.
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