12.3 Feminist and queer theory
11 min read•august 21, 2024
Feminist and queer theories challenge societal norms around gender and sexuality. These frameworks emerged as critical responses to inequality, inspiring artists to question power dynamics through their work. Performance art became a powerful medium for exploring these ideas.
Artists use their bodies as political sites, subverting gender norms and increasing visibility for marginalized identities. Notable figures like Judy Chicago and Robert Mapplethorpe have shaped these movements, influencing contemporary discussions on representation and identity in art.
Origins of feminist theory
- emerged as a critical response to societal gender inequalities and patriarchal structures
- Rooted in social, political, and philosophical discourses, feminist theory challenges traditional power dynamics
- In performance art, feminist theory inspires artists to question and subvert gender roles through their work
First-wave feminism
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- Focused on women's suffrage and legal rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
- Emphasized equality under the law, particularly voting rights for women
- Key figures included Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
- Culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the United States (1920)
Second-wave feminism
- Emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, expanding focus to broader issues of gender inequality
- Addressed workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and domestic violence
- Popularized the phrase "the personal is political" to highlight systemic nature of oppression
- Notable activists included Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem
- Influenced performance art through works challenging traditional female roles and body image
Third-wave feminism
- Began in the 1990s as a response to perceived limitations of
- Embraced , recognizing the interconnected nature of social categorizations
- Emphasized individual empowerment and rejected universal definitions of femininity
- Explored themes of sexuality, , and reclaiming derogatory terms
- Influenced performance art by encouraging diverse representations and personal narratives
Key concepts in feminism
- Feminist theory provides a framework for analyzing power structures and gender relations in society
- These concepts have significantly influenced performance art, inspiring artists to create works that challenge societal norms
- Feminist performance art often incorporates these key ideas to provoke thought and inspire social change
Patriarchy and oppression
- refers to social systems where men hold primary power and privilege
- Oppression manifests through economic, political, and social structures that disadvantage women
- Feminist theory analyzes how patriarchal systems perpetuate gender inequality
- Performance artists often critique patriarchal structures through their work
- Use of symbolism to represent male dominance (phallic objects)
- Subversion of traditional female roles in performances
Gender as social construct
- Challenges the notion that gender roles and behaviors are innate or biologically determined
- Argues that gender is learned and reinforced through social interactions and cultural norms
- Simone de Beauvoir's famous quote "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" encapsulates this concept
- Performance artists explore this idea by:
- Blurring gender lines in their appearances and actions
- Creating characters that defy traditional gender expectations
Intersectionality
- Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality examines how various forms of oppression intersect
- Recognizes that individuals may face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination (race, class, gender)
- Emphasizes the importance of considering multiple identities in understanding oppression
- In performance art, intersectionality is explored through:
- Multifaceted representations of identity in performances
- Collaborations between artists from diverse backgrounds
Queer theory foundations
- emerged as an extension and critique of feminist and gay/lesbian studies
- It challenges fixed notions of gender and sexuality, influencing performance art practices
- Queer theory in performance art encourages exploration of fluid identities and non-normative expressions
Emergence from feminist theory
- Queer theory developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s as an offshoot of feminist and gay/lesbian studies
- Sought to expand discussions of gender and sexuality beyond binary frameworks
- Challenged essentialist notions of identity present in some feminist thought
- Influenced performance art by encouraging more fluid and diverse representations of gender and sexuality
Influence of poststructuralism
- Poststructuralist ideas about language and power heavily influenced queer theory
- Emphasized the role of discourse in shaping reality and identity
- Questioned the stability of meaning and the existence of universal truths
- In performance art, poststructuralist influence led to:
- Deconstruction of traditional narratives and character representations
- Exploration of multiple, shifting meanings within a single performance
Judith Butler's contributions
- Butler's work, particularly "Gender Trouble" (1990), was foundational to queer theory
- Introduced the concept of gender performativity
- Argued that gender is not innate but performed through repeated acts
- Challenged the sex/gender distinction, suggesting both are socially constructed
- Butler's ideas influenced performance artists to:
- Create works that highlight the constructed nature of gender
- Experiment with gender performances that subvert societal expectations
Core ideas in queer theory
- Queer theory challenges heteronormative assumptions and binary thinking about gender and sexuality
- It emphasizes the fluidity and performative nature of identities
- In performance art, queer theory inspires works that disrupt conventional narratives and representations
Performativity of gender
- Builds on Butler's concept that gender is not innate but performed through repeated actions
- Suggests that gender is created and reinforced through social interactions and cultural norms
- Challenges the idea of a "natural" or "essential" gender identity
- Performance artists explore this concept by:
- Creating characters that shift between gender presentations
- Highlighting the artificiality of gender norms through exaggerated performances
Heteronormativity vs queerness
- refers to the assumption that heterosexuality is the default or "normal" sexual orientation
- Queerness challenges this assumption by embracing non-normative sexualities and gender identities
- Queer theory examines how heteronormativity is reinforced through social institutions and cultural practices
- In performance art, this concept is explored through:
- Works that celebrate non-heterosexual relationships and desires
- Performances that challenge traditional family structures and romantic narratives
Deconstruction of binaries
- Queer theory seeks to break down rigid categories of gender, sexuality, and identity
- Challenges the idea that identities must fit into neat, oppositional categories (male/female, gay/straight)
- Emphasizes the spectrum of possibilities between and beyond binary categories
- Performance artists engage with this concept by:
- Creating characters that embody multiple or ambiguous identities
- Using costumes and props that blur traditional gender signifiers
Feminist and queer performance art
- Feminist and queer performance art challenges societal norms and expectations around gender and sexuality
- These art forms often use provocative and unconventional methods to convey their messages
- Performance artists in these traditions frequently blur the lines between art and activism
Body as political site
- Views the human body as a canvas for expressing political and social messages
- Emphasizes the personal nature of political struggles related to gender and sexuality
- Performance artists use their bodies to:
- Challenge beauty standards and
- Highlight issues of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights
- Explore the impact of societal norms on individual bodies
Subversion of gender norms
- Involves challenging and disrupting traditional expectations of gender roles and expression
- Often includes performances that exaggerate or parody gender stereotypes
- Performance artists subvert gender norms through:
- Cross-dressing and drag performances
- Creating characters that embody non-binary or fluid gender identities
- Challenging assumptions about gendered behaviors and appearances
Representation and visibility
- Focuses on increasing the visibility of marginalized identities and experiences
- Aims to challenge dominant narratives and stereotypes about gender and sexuality
- Performance artists address representation by:
- Creating works that center LGBTQ+ experiences and perspectives
- Collaborating with diverse artists to showcase a range of identities
- Critiquing mainstream media representations of gender and sexuality
Notable feminist artists
- Feminist artists have played a crucial role in challenging gender norms and advocating for women's rights
- Their work often addresses themes of , sexuality, and gender inequality
- These artists have significantly influenced the development of feminist performance art
Judy Chicago
- Pioneering feminist artist known for large-scale collaborative projects
- Created "The Dinner Party" (1974-1979), a monumental installation celebrating women's achievements
- Focused on reclaiming women's history and challenging male-dominated art world
- Incorporated traditionally feminine crafts (ceramics, needlework) into fine art
- Established the first feminist art program at California State University, Fresno
Carolee Schneemann
- Multidisciplinary artist known for groundbreaking performances exploring sexuality and the body
- Created "Interior Scroll" (1975), a performance involving reading from a scroll extracted from her vagina
- Challenged taboos surrounding female sexuality and menstruation in her work
- Incorporated her own body as both subject and medium in performances
- Influenced later generations of feminist performance artists through her bold, confrontational approach
Marina Abramović
- Serbian performance artist known for pushing physical and mental limits in her work
- Created "Rhythm 0" (1974), allowing audience members to use various objects on her body
- Explores themes of endurance, pain, and the relationship between performer and audience
- Collaborated with partner Ulay on performances examining male-female dynamics
- Continues to influence contemporary performance art through her long-duration works
Influential queer artists
- Queer artists have made significant contributions to challenging heteronormative assumptions in art
- Their work often explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the AIDS crisis
- These artists have played a crucial role in increasing LGBTQ+ visibility in the art world
Robert Mapplethorpe
- American photographer known for his stylized black-and-white portraits and nudes
- Explored themes of homoeroticism and BDSM in his work, challenging societal taboos
- Created controversial X Portfolio featuring explicit gay imagery
- Faced censorship and sparked debates about public funding for the arts
- His work continues to influence discussions about representation of queer sexuality in art
Felix Gonzalez-Torres
- Cuban-American artist known for minimalist installations addressing love, loss, and the AIDS crisis
- Created "Untitled" (Perfect Lovers) (1991), featuring two synchronized clocks
- Used everyday objects (candy, light bulbs) to create interactive, ephemeral artworks
- Explored themes of same-sex relationships and the impact of AIDS on the gay community
- His work blended personal experiences with broader social and political issues
Catherine Opie
- American photographer known for portraits of LGBTQ+ communities and American landscapes
- Created "Self-Portrait/Cutting" (1993), featuring a child-like drawing carved into her back
- Documented diverse queer subcultures, including leather communities and drag kings
- Challenges stereotypes and increases visibility of marginalized LGBTQ+ identities
- Her work explores the intersection of queer identity with broader American culture
Intersections with other theories
- Feminist and queer theories intersect with various other critical frameworks
- These intersections highlight the complexity of identity and oppression
- In performance art, these intersections inspire works that address multiple forms of marginalization
Postcolonial feminism
- Critiques Western feminism's tendency to universalize women's experiences
- Examines how colonialism and imperialism impact gender relations in non-Western contexts
- Addresses issues of cultural difference, representation, and global power dynamics
- Performance artists explore postcolonial feminism through:
- Works that challenge Eurocentric beauty standards
- Performances addressing the impact of colonialism on indigenous gender systems
Transfeminism
- Combines transgender studies with feminist theory
- Advocates for the rights and inclusion of trans women within feminist movements
- Challenges cisnormative assumptions in traditional feminist thought
- In performance art, is explored through:
- Works that highlight trans experiences and identities
- Performances challenging the gender binary and celebrating gender diversity
Crip theory
- Examines the intersection of disability studies with queer and feminist theories
- Challenges ableist assumptions and promotes disability as a form of diversity
- Questions normative ideas about bodies, minds, and abilities
- Performance artists engage with by:
- Creating works that challenge able-bodied norms in performance
- Exploring the intersection of disability with gender and sexuality
Contemporary issues
- Feminist and queer theories continue to evolve, addressing new challenges and technologies
- These contemporary issues reflect changing social landscapes and emerging forms of activism
- Performance artists engage with these topics to create relevant and thought-provoking works
Digital feminism and cyberfeminism
- Explores the impact of digital technologies on gender relations and feminist activism
- Addresses issues of online harassment, digital divide, and representation in tech industries
- Examines the potential of the internet for feminist organizing and community-building
- Performance artists engage with through:
- Online performances and digital art projects
- Works that critique social media's impact on body image and self-presentation
Queer ecology
- Examines the intersection of queer theory with environmental studies
- Challenges heteronormative assumptions in traditional ecological thought
- Explores how ideas about nature and the "natural" have been used to justify discrimination
- Performance artists explore through:
- Works that challenge the nature/culture binary
- Performances addressing environmental issues from queer perspectives
Non-binary and genderqueer identities
- Focuses on identities that fall outside the traditional gender binary
- Challenges the idea that all individuals must identify as either male or female
- Explores the spectrum of gender identities and expressions
- Performance artists address by:
- Creating characters and personas that embody non-binary experiences
- Developing new visual and performative languages for expressing gender diversity
Critiques and controversies
- Feminist and queer theories have faced various critiques and internal debates
- These controversies reflect the diverse perspectives within feminist and queer communities
- Performance artists often engage with these debates through their work, contributing to ongoing discussions
Essentialism vs constructivism
- Debate over whether gender differences are innate (essentialist) or socially constructed
- Essentialists argue for inherent differences between men and women
- Constructivists view gender as shaped by social and cultural factors
- Performance artists explore this debate through:
- Works that highlight the fluidity of gender roles
- Performances that question biological determinism
Trans-exclusionary radical feminism
- Controversial stance that excludes trans women from feminist spaces and activism
- Argues that trans women's experiences differ fundamentally from those of cisgender women
- Widely criticized for perpetuating transphobia and reinforcing gender binaries
- Performance artists address this issue by:
- Creating works that celebrate trans identities within feminist contexts
- Challenging exclusionary practices through inclusive performances
Homonormativity debates
- Critiques the assimilation of LGBTQ+ communities into heteronormative structures
- Questions whether mainstream acceptance comes at the cost of radical queer politics
- Examines issues of representation and diversity within LGBTQ+ communities
- Performance artists engage with through:
- Works that challenge mainstream gay and lesbian representations
- Performances exploring alternative relationship structures and queer subcultures
Impact on performance studies
- Feminist and queer theories have significantly influenced the field of performance studies
- These theories have expanded the scope of what is considered performance and how it is analyzed
- Performance artists continue to draw on and contribute to these theoretical frameworks
Feminist theatre practices
- Challenges male-dominated theatrical traditions and representations of women
- Emphasizes collaborative and non-hierarchical production methods
- Explores women's experiences and perspectives through innovative staging techniques
- Includes practices such as:
- Consciousness-raising groups as a basis for creating performances
- Reinterpretation of classic texts from feminist perspectives
Queer temporality in performance
- Examines how queer experiences of time differ from heteronormative life trajectories
- Challenges linear narratives and explores alternative ways of structuring performances
- Considers how queerness disrupts traditional notions of past, present, and future
- Performance artists explore queer temporality through:
- Non-linear or cyclical performance structures
- Works that blend historical and contemporary queer experiences
Embodiment and phenomenology
- Focuses on the lived experience of the body in performance
- Examines how gender and sexuality are experienced and expressed through the body
- Draws on phenomenological philosophy to analyze the performer-audience relationship
- Performance artists engage with embodiment through:
- Works that highlight sensory experiences and bodily awareness
- Performances that challenge traditional boundaries between performer and spectator
Key Terms to Review (29)
Artivism: Artivism is a blend of art and activism that uses creative expression to advocate for social change and raise awareness about important issues. It often serves as a powerful tool for marginalized voices, aiming to provoke thought, inspire action, and foster dialogue on topics such as identity, representation, and social justice. Through various art forms, artivism challenges the status quo and seeks to create a more equitable society.
Bell hooks: bell hooks is a prominent feminist theorist, cultural critic, and writer known for her work on race, gender, and class, particularly within the context of feminist and queer theory. Her writing emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and critiques both mainstream feminism and patriarchal structures. hooks advocates for a more inclusive and transformative approach to feminism that recognizes the diverse experiences of marginalized groups.
Body Politics: Body politics refers to the ways in which social and political systems govern and regulate human bodies, often focusing on issues of power, identity, and representation. This concept is crucial in examining how bodies are perceived and treated based on various factors like gender, race, and sexuality, influencing how individuals experience their identities and social positions.
Cisnormativity: Cisnormativity is the societal assumption and belief that being cisgender, or identifying with the sex one was assigned at birth, is the default and preferred state for individuals. This concept reinforces the idea that gender is binary and disregards the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals, perpetuating discrimination and exclusion within various social structures.
Crip theory: Crip theory is an academic framework that examines disability through the lenses of queer theory, challenging normative understandings of ability and disability. This theory critiques how society perceives disabled bodies, arguing for the inclusion of disabled experiences in discussions about identity, sexuality, and power dynamics. It seeks to dismantle stigmas associated with disability and promotes the idea that being disabled can be a valid and meaningful identity.
Cyberfeminism: Cyberfeminism is a feminist movement that explores the intersection of feminism and technology, particularly focusing on how digital spaces can empower women and challenge traditional gender norms. It critiques the male-dominated tech industry while advocating for women's representation and participation in digital culture. By leveraging the internet and digital media, cyberfeminists aim to create new identities, challenge patriarchy, and facilitate communication among women globally.
Digital feminism: Digital feminism refers to the ways in which feminist movements and ideas are amplified, transformed, and spread through digital platforms and technologies. It highlights the importance of online spaces for activism, community building, and the dissemination of feminist theories while addressing the challenges of representation and inclusivity within these digital realms.
Feminist Theory: Feminist theory is an approach to understanding the world that examines the ways in which gender, particularly the experiences and rights of women, intersects with various aspects of society, culture, and politics. It critiques traditional norms and power structures, aiming to highlight and dismantle systems of oppression based on gender. This theory is essential in examining body art, body modification, and performance art, as it underscores how these practices can challenge or reinforce societal expectations regarding femininity and identity.
First-wave feminism: First-wave feminism refers to the early feminist movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily focusing on legal issues and inequalities, particularly women's suffrage and property rights. This wave laid the groundwork for future feminist movements by advocating for women's rights in the public sphere and challenging societal norms that confined women to domestic roles.
Gender as social construct: Gender as social construct refers to the understanding that gender is not inherently tied to biological differences but is created and shaped by social norms, cultural practices, and historical contexts. This perspective emphasizes that the roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female are learned and can vary widely across different societies and time periods.
Gender fluidity: Gender fluidity refers to a flexible approach to gender identity that does not conform strictly to traditional binary notions of male and female. It recognizes that gender can change over time and may encompass a mix of identities that can be expressed in various ways, challenging the fixed categories typically associated with gender.
Gender performativity: Gender performativity is the concept that gender is not an inherent quality but rather something that is expressed and constructed through repeated actions, behaviors, and performances. This idea suggests that individuals enact their gender identities through everyday practices, influenced by societal norms and expectations, making gender a fluid and dynamic process rather than a fixed state.
Genderqueer identities: Genderqueer identities refer to a spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively male or female, often encompassing a mix of both, neither, or other gender expressions. This term challenges the traditional binary understanding of gender and seeks to validate the experiences of individuals who do not conform to these categories, emphasizing fluidity and diversity in gender expression and identity.
Heteronormativity: Heteronormativity is the cultural, social, and political belief that heterosexual relationships and identities are the default or 'normal' standard for sexual orientation and gender expression. This concept reinforces binary gender roles and often marginalizes those who do not conform to these norms, leading to systemic inequalities in society.
Homonormativity: Homonormativity refers to a set of beliefs and practices that normalize and privilege a specific, often white, middle-class, monogamous, and heterosexualized version of LGBTQ+ identities and relationships. It supports the idea that LGBTQ+ individuals should aspire to the same goals as heterosexuals, like marriage and family, often sidelining the diversity within the queer community. This term critiques the ways in which mainstream LGBTQ+ movements may exclude or marginalize those who do not fit into these narrow definitions of acceptable identity.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability, intersect and interact to create overlapping systems of discrimination or privilege. This concept highlights the complexity of individuals’ experiences and recognizes that social identities do not exist in isolation; they shape and influence each other, especially in areas like performance art, where personal and political narratives often intertwine.
Judith Butler: Judith Butler is a prominent philosopher and gender theorist known for her influential work on gender performativity and the critique of gender norms. Her ideas have reshaped the understanding of identity, suggesting that gender is not an inherent trait but rather a performance shaped by social and cultural contexts. This perspective has significant implications for feminist and queer theory, as it challenges traditional binary notions of gender and emphasizes the fluidity of identity.
Non-binary identities: Non-binary identities refer to gender identities that do not fit strictly within the traditional categories of male or female. People who identify as non-binary may see themselves as a mix of both genders, neither, or fall outside the binary altogether. This term is important in understanding how gender is not a fixed or singular concept but rather a spectrum that encompasses a wide range of experiences and identities.
Objectification: Objectification is the act of treating a person as an object or a thing, rather than as a whole human being with thoughts, feelings, and agency. This concept often highlights how societal norms can reduce individuals, especially women and marginalized groups, to their physical appearance or sexual appeal, stripping away their humanity and reducing them to mere objects for consumption or desire. It plays a crucial role in discussions around power dynamics, representation, and identity.
Patriarchy: Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This structure leads to the systemic oppression of women and other marginalized groups, which informs discussions in feminist performance art and feminist and queer theory. Patriarchy influences the representation of gender in art and culture, often perpetuating traditional norms that restrict individual expression and identity.
Post-structuralism: Post-structuralism is an intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, challenging the idea that meaning is fixed and that texts or cultural artifacts have a single, stable interpretation. Instead, it emphasizes the fluidity of meaning and the ways in which language and societal structures shape our understanding of reality. This perspective plays a crucial role in feminist and queer theory by questioning established norms and binaries, thus allowing for multiple interpretations and identities.
Queer ecology: Queer ecology is an interdisciplinary framework that explores the relationships between nature, culture, and sexual identity. It challenges traditional environmental narratives by integrating queer theory, emphasizing how human sexuality influences and intersects with ecological understandings. This perspective reveals the complexities of human-nature relationships and critiques normative concepts of sexuality and environment, leading to a more inclusive and diverse understanding of ecological issues.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an academic framework that challenges the traditional notions of gender and sexuality, emphasizing the fluidity and social construction of these identities. It interrogates how societal norms shape our understanding of what is considered 'normal' or 'deviant' in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity. This approach also connects to broader themes of identity politics, representation, feminist thought, and the critique of heteronormativity.
Radical feminism: Radical feminism is a branch of feminist thought that seeks to address and challenge the root causes of women's oppression, viewing patriarchy as a fundamental source of societal inequality. This approach advocates for a complete transformation of societal structures, emphasizing that simply achieving equality within existing systems is insufficient. Radical feminists believe that true liberation requires dismantling patriarchal institutions and rethinking social norms around gender and sexuality.
Second-wave feminism: Second-wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activity that began in the early 1960s and continued through the 1980s, focusing on issues such as equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave expanded the feminist agenda beyond suffrage to include a broader range of social, cultural, and political inequalities, influencing various fields including art, gender studies, and activism.
Social constructivism: Social constructivism is a theory that posits that knowledge and understanding are developed through social interactions and cultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of society in shaping individual identities and experiences. This perspective highlights how our perceptions of reality are influenced by social processes and collective beliefs, leading to variations in identity and self-representation among different groups. In this way, it connects deeply with concepts around identity formation and the critical examination of gender and sexuality.
Social Practice: Social practice refers to a form of artistic engagement that emphasizes collaboration and interaction within communities, often addressing social issues and encouraging dialogue. It fosters relationships between artists and participants, moving beyond traditional art forms to create experiences that resonate with collective human experiences. This approach is often used to challenge existing norms and structures, making it relevant in various critical discussions about power dynamics and representation.
Third-wave feminism: Third-wave feminism is a feminist movement that emerged in the 1990s, focusing on diversity, individualism, and intersectionality. It sought to expand the conversation around women's rights to include a variety of experiences, particularly those of women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and working-class women. This wave recognized that previous feminist movements often centered on the experiences of white, middle-class women, and aimed to challenge this narrow focus by embracing a broader spectrum of identities and issues.
Transfeminism: Transfeminism is a branch of feminist theory that focuses on the intersection of feminism and transgender rights, advocating for the inclusion and empowerment of transgender individuals within feminist discourse. It challenges traditional gender norms and highlights how issues of gender identity, sexuality, and oppression are interconnected, emphasizing that the struggles faced by transgender individuals are also women's issues.