F eminist and g ender t heories

Feminist and Gender Theories  
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Frankfurt School), Butler optimistically asserts that because of the multiplicity of symbols 
that cannot all be obeyed coherently, we can “reconfigure” and “redeploy” symbols. 
However, again it must be emphasized that Butler would undoubtedly chafe at this label. 
First, because Butler goes to great lengths to show that performances are never isolated acts, 
but occur only within specific discursive contexts; and second, because she would chafe at 
any sort of metatheoretical label at all. The whole point of postmodernism is to do away 
with this kind of academic theoretical scaffolding. As shown in Figure 7.6, in keeping with 
the spirit of Butler, we place the notion of “performativity” at the center of our theoretical 
map, thereby indicating its fluid, multidimensional nature, while nevertheless acknowledg-
ing its nonrational bent.
Reading
Introduction to “Subjects of Sex/Gender/Desire”
The following excerpt is from Butler’s most widely read and celebrated book, Gender 
Trouble (1990), which has sold more than 100,000 copies. Here you will see Butler chal-
lenge the presumed universality and unity of the concept of “woman” in feminist theory 
and, drawing on Foucault, dispute the predominant binary opposition of sex as a “biologi-
cal” and gender as a “cultural” category.
6

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY IN THE CONTEMPORARY ERA
Nonrational
Rational
Heterosexual matrix
PERFORMATIVITY
Institutional power
Figure 7.6
Butler’s Basic Theoretical Orientation
Collective
Individual
Resignification
Codes
Norms
Figure 7.6
Butler’s Basic Concepts and Theoretical Orientation

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