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Gender performativity facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts


Gender performativity is a term first used by the feminist philosopher Judith Butler in her 1990 book Gender Trouble. She argues that being born male or female does not determine behavior. Instead, people learn to behave in particular ways to fit into society. The idea of gender is an act, or performance. This act is the way a person walks, talks, dresses, and behaves. She calls this acting "gender performativity." What society regards as a person's gender is just a performance made to please social expectations and not a true expression of the person's 'gender identity'.

Images for kids

  • Sushi Rolls not Gender Roles (32945717780)

    A photo taken during a rally/march that displays a person holding a sign stating "Sushi Rolls Not Gender Roles".

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Performatividad de género para niños

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