Performativity or Performance? Clarifications in the Sociology of Gender
Author(s)
Brickell, Chris
Abstract
The suggestion that gender can be understood in terms of performance or performativity is common within New Zealand sociology, as it is overseas and in other disciplines. This article critically examines the theoretical background to these metaphors: ethnomethodology (Goffman, Garfinkel and others) and the writings of Judith Butler. A close reading of these theorists’ work reveals the differences between Butler and the ethnomethodologists, while a number of useful similarities emerge. A synthesis of these authors’ strengths allows us to create an integrated checklist which can be taken to specific studies of gender performance.
