Gender Theory.

Gender Theory.

Discuss how Gender theory differentiates between sex and gender and consider some terms of gender theory, such as patriarchy, heteronormativity, and queer. Discuss alongside feminism those of broader definitions of gender identities. Visual representations of gendered identities as shown in films, music videos, art, photography and design practices will be looked at critically. The aim is in doing so is to demonstrate how gender is constructed and represented in relation to the shifts that have occurred in response to feminism.

1. SEX and GENDER need to be distinguished from one another in Gender Theory. SEX is understood to be a natural or biological feature (based on male and female genitalia and chromosomal differences). GENDER, is the cultural or learned significance of sex. Gender is the social and cultural roles, personality traits and behaviours that are seen to be socially acceptable for men and women in relation to concepts of masculinity and femininity.
2. Gender Theorist Judith Butler states that “Gender norms operate by requiring the embodiment of certain ideals of femininity and masculinity, ones which are almost always related to the idealization of the heterosexual bond” (Critically Queer, p. 22). The splitting of gender binaries in visual culture, social, cultural and political spheres produces two distinct genders and is exclusive of gender variations. These binaries normalises this dual model, after which it becomes naturalised. This is known as heternormativity.
3. The development of feminism has seen the development of several eras: First wave feminism (late 19^th century until early 20^th century), Second Wave feminism (mid 1960s until 1980), Third wave feminism 1980s until late 1990s, Post-Feminism 2000-current.
4. Gender theory and gender politics have directly benefited from the advances made by feminists and feminism. Today there is a broadening of the ideas of gender to include LBGTQI (Lesbian, Bi, Gay, Transgender, Queer and Intersex). This group is often spoken about under the umbrella term ‘Queer Theory’.
5. Queer artists embrace the subversive possibilities of challenging the hegemony of heterosexuality. The aim is to activate a new set of values, and discourses that allow for such a space to be defined, expressed or explored.