Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity

Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity, published in 1990 by philosopher Judith Butler, is a foundational text in gender theory and feminist thought. In this provocative and deeply influential work, Butler challenges conventional notions of gender, arguing that gender is not a fixed biological or natural identity, but rather a social construct that is performed through repeated behaviors and cultural norms. Drawing on the ideas of post-structuralists like Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida, Butler introduces the concept of gender performativity—the idea that gender is not something one is, but something one does. Butler's critique reshapes the landscape of feminist theory by questioning the binary understanding of male/female and the assumption of a stable gender identity. She contends that by reinforcing rigid gender categories, traditional feminist frameworks risk excluding those whose identities fall outside of normative definitions, such as transgender and non-binary individuals. Gender Trouble thus opens up space for more inclusive and intersectional feminist discourses. The book also reexamines the power structures that govern identity and the body, urging a reconsideration of how language and culture shape our understanding of self and society. As one of the most cited and debated texts in gender studies, Gender Trouble continues to influence academic disciplines, social movements, and queer theory. Its legacy lies in its bold challenge to dominant paradigms and its call for a more fluid, dynamic understanding of identity, embodiment, and liberation.