Judith Butler introduced the idea that gender is socially constructed rather than biologically determined, suggesting that traditional roles of masculinity and femininity cause 'gender trouble.' Her theories align with queer theory, which challenges the binary divide between heterosexual and homosexual identities, arguing for the fluidity of sexual identity. The document also encourages exploration of examples from media that illustrate these concepts, while prompting personal reflection on Butler's ideas.

1. QUEERTHEORY

2. JUDITHBUTLER
A contemporary approach to gender representation was
introduced by Judith Butler (1990) who suggests that
gender is not the result of nature but is socially
constructed. That is to say, male and female behaviour and
roles are not the result of biology but are constructed and
reinforced through media and culture
Butler argues that there are a number of exaggerated,
disruptive ‘tongue-in-cheek’ representations of masculinity
and femininity, which draw attention to the idea that
gender is socially constructed and cause what she refers to
as ‘gender trouble’

3. GENDERTROUBLE?

4. QUEERTHEORY
Butler’s theories of gender trouble have also been linked to queer theory, which
explores and challenges the way in which heterosexual is constructed as normal and
the media has limited the representations of gay men and women. It has been
suggested for example, Hollywood films construct and portray images of ‘normal’ ,
happy heterosexual couples are often represented in terms of sin or sickness
Can you think of any examples that support or refute this?
Queer theory challenges the traditionally held assumptions
that there is a binary divide between gay and heterosexual,
and suggests that sexual identity is more fluid. An example of
the fluidity of gender/sexuality can be seen in the character of
Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. In this film
the character uses an ironic and ‘over-the-top’ performance of
a pirate, which includes wearing an over-elaborate costume
and eye make-up, using feminine and camp gestures and
avoiding anything that could be interpreted as machismo.
Source: AQA A2 Media Studies Textbook Pg 56-57

5. A summary of Butler’s key points on gender representation
and queer theory
• Nothing within your identity is fixed.
• Your identity is little more than a pile of (social and cutural) things which
you have previously expressed, or which have been said about you.
• There is not really an ‘inner self’. We come to believe we have one through
the repetition of discourses about it
• Gender, like other aspects of identity, is a performance (though not
necessarily a consciously chosen one). Again, this is reinforced through
repetition.
• People can therefore change.
• The binary divide between masculinity and femininity is a social construct
built on the binary divide between men and women – which is also a
social construction.
• We should challenge the traditional views of masculinity, femininity and
sexuality by causing gender trouble.
Source: GAUNTLETT, D. (2008). Media, gender and identity: an introduction. London, Routledge.

6. TASK
Butler (1990) argues that gender is a performance, albeit not always a
conscious performance. This is reinforced through repetition. She also
argued that the binary divide between masculinity and femininity is a
social construction built on the divide between men and women which is
also a social construction.
Do some research on Butler and ‘Queer Theory’. Create a series of
presentation slides to explain Queer Theory and how it relates to the
media. You need to include an introduction of Butler’s key ideas on
gender (the print out you were asked to read for homework should help
with this)
You should include some examples of “Gender Trouble” in the media –
explain how your examples subvert traditionally held assumptions
about gender.
Your final slide should contain your thoughts on Queer Theory – do you
agree with Butler?