Contemporary Feminism: Performing Queers Identity Through Culture, Gender, Differential Consciousnes
Introduction
The working title will be " Contemporary feminism: Performing queer identity through culture, gender, differential consciousness, embodied knowledge and phenomology" This title was chosen owing to the fact that the queer theory has gained some leverage on gender studies. Consequently, it would be necessary to look into its methods of performance.
A brief description of the topic
Queer theories have been handled differently from other gender related theories more so because they attempt to separate gender identity with sexual identity. In this regard, some authors such as Judith Butler believe that it is possible to separate sexual identity from gender studies and that it should be accepted as such. Nonetheless, one cannot undermine the fact that the queer theory is a distinctive part of today's description of feminism. An examination of the queer theory illustrates the fact that gender can be constructed over time. The queer theory reflects the idea that gender is in fact a theatre that gives room for improvising. Additionally, the queer theory questions the existence of dominant forms of gender identity that impose their rules upon members of society. ( Butler, 2000)
This topic is important in gender studies because it embodies the new face of feminism. It will go a long way in contributing towards the debate on the queer theory through an in depth examination of its cultural and gender expressions. This topic is related to the course because it distinctly focuses on a theory of gender studies. Additionally, it also intensifies the need to look into conventional definitions of gender studies by separating gender from feminism.
An overview of the relative direction which the research will take
It is likely that the research will examine a series of issues related to the queer theory. First of all, the paper will examine how the theory is related to popular culture around the world. The paper will focus on ideas put forward by Dennis Altman in his global queering theory. The latter author asserted that globalization has set the stage for adoption and expression of feminism or gender identity based on one's sexuality. In other words, certain societies that distinctly defined gender identity in terms of other non-sexual concepts, have now considered this as an option. There will be specific emphasis on expression of the queer theory in Japanese culture.
The reason for choosing Japanese culture is that the country is one of the most developed nations in Asia. Consequently, they embody the concept of capitalism and the ability of lesbians/gays to control the economy. (Holden, 2000)This implies that they have been influenced by perceptions that were only prevalent in the western world but have now trickled down to the rest of the world. The Japanese social climate is a clear indication of what the world can become once it adopts influences from other cultures. There is a need to look at the difficulties of constructing a gender identity in a society that may not be open to change. This presents a new light in the queer theory owing to the fact that most of the studies made in this field reflect studies conducted in the western world with special emphasis on the United States. Consequently, the paper will bring in a different definition of the gender construction process. (Valentine, 2003)
The Japanese culture will also form a centre piece of the discussion owing to the fact that expressions of homosexuality are quite hidden from the public light. Expressions of this form of identity are restricted to private lives owing to the fact that exposing this gender identity would result in confrontation with mainstream identities yet this is not a stance that members of the gay community would like to take. In other words, one would not find depictions or performances of the queer theory through visible forms such as
It should therefore be noted that the Japanese culture has borrowed some identities from the western world, however, the description of these identities and the conceptualization will be different in the future. One cannot assert that gay identity will follow the same identity as it does in the western world. Consequently, the paper will attempt to predict future performances of the queer theory against the country's historical background and recent movements. (Demilio, 2003)
The paper will also be an in depth examination of some of the reasons behind the cultural and gender expressions of the queer theory in Japan. It is likely that a link will be provided between market capitalism and the queer theory in the research because Japan is a capitalist state and there must be a link between recent expressions of gender and the capitalist environment.
In close relation to this argument is the assertion that there is a link between historical emergence of capitalism and expression of gay cultures in other countries such as the US. In the US, the capitalist culture eliminated the need to for utilizing one's children in the production process. In the past, families were required to produce their own food by growing it, tailor their own clothes etc. However, with the emergence of capitalism, production was transferred from the family unit into the capitalist system. Consequently, prices of commodities began to reduce and their availability was also heightened. The family as a unit of production became irrelevant and this led to the evolution of the family unit thus creating fertile ground for the emergence of the gay community. The latter explanation largely reflects the history of the queer theory in the United States. However, there is a need to look at how capitalism is related to expressions of the queer theory in Japan or other non western cultures and this will be a central focus of the paper. (Mc Lellan, 2000)
Annotated bibliography of the references to be used
Demilio, J. (2003): Capitalism and Gay identity; a seminar paper presented to the St. Lawrence University Queer economics group, Routledge
This paper is a description of how the queer theory is related to economics and it therefore attempts to given an explanation of its prevalence within the community. The basic ideas reflected in the paper revolve around how the gay culture is compatible with the capitalist system owing to the reduced need to produce goods personally. Additionally, the paper also talks about the economic contribution of adherents of the queer theory especially with regard to certain consumer products or services created to suit their lifestyle.
The article will be useful in the research topic because it provides an insight into understanding the prevalence of the gay culture. Additionally, it will go a long way in studying the concepts of the gay culture in other non-western cultures such as Japan which are just adopting the theory.
Butler, J (2000): Extracts from Gender as Performance; Radical philosophy Ltd
The article is an examination of the definitions of gender identity and sexual identity in the world today. The author attempts to give an insight into the differences that exist between the use of sexuality as a form of feminist expression and the emphasis on expression of the sexuality as a theory on its own.
The article will be useful in clearing out the perceptions that sexual identity can be construed as part of the nom or whether it is an expression of feminism.
Holden, T. (2000): Gender and the grand narrative in Japan; Intersections of gender, History and culture in the Asian context. 3, 66, 13
The article is an examination of the expressions of gay culture in various media forms within Japan. The article also provides an insight into the perceptions of gay culture there. It will be useful to the research because it will provide an in depth account of how a different society can perceive the queer theory.
Conclusion
Contemporary feminism is now largely characterized by the queer theory. There is a need to look at how gender and sexuality are perceived and whether one should consider sexuality as a material aspect of gender or whether it is the norm. Additionally, there is need to look at the effects of globalization on the queer theory and its economic effect. All these issues will be addressed in the research with special emphasis on the Japanese culture.
Reference:
Valentine, J. (2003): Identification of Queer Japanese, Oxford University press, p 108
Mc Lellan, M. (2000); Gay men as women's ideal partners in Japanese Culture, US-Japan Women's English supplement, 17, 13, 45
Demilio, J. (2003): Capitalism and Gay identity; a seminar paper presented to the St. Lawrence University Queer economics group, Routledge
Holden, T. (2000): Gender and the grand narrative in Japan; Intersections of gender, History and culture in the Asian context. 3, 66, 13
Butler, J (2000): Extracts from Gender as Performance; Radical philosophy Ltd
The working title will be " Contemporary feminism: Performing queer identity through culture, gender, differential consciousness, embodied knowledge and phenomology" This title was chosen owing to the fact that the queer theory has gained some leverage on gender studies. Consequently, it would be necessary to look into its methods of performance.
A brief description of the topic
Queer theories have been handled differently from other gender related theories more so because they attempt to separate gender identity with sexual identity. In this regard, some authors such as Judith Butler believe that it is possible to separate sexual identity from gender studies and that it should be accepted as such. Nonetheless, one cannot undermine the fact that the queer theory is a distinctive part of today's description of feminism. An examination of the queer theory illustrates the fact that gender can be constructed over time. The queer theory reflects the idea that gender is in fact a theatre that gives room for improvising. Additionally, the queer theory questions the existence of dominant forms of gender identity that impose their rules upon members of society. ( Butler, 2000)
This topic is important in gender studies because it embodies the new face of feminism. It will go a long way in contributing towards the debate on the queer theory through an in depth examination of its cultural and gender expressions. This topic is related to the course because it distinctly focuses on a theory of gender studies. Additionally, it also intensifies the need to look into conventional definitions of gender studies by separating gender from feminism.
An overview of the relative direction which the research will take
It is likely that the research will examine a series of issues related to the queer theory. First of all, the paper will examine how the theory is related to popular culture around the world. The paper will focus on ideas put forward by Dennis Altman in his global queering theory. The latter author asserted that globalization has set the stage for adoption and expression of feminism or gender identity based on one's sexuality. In other words, certain societies that distinctly defined gender identity in terms of other non-sexual concepts, have now considered this as an option. There will be specific emphasis on expression of the queer theory in Japanese culture.
The reason for choosing Japanese culture is that the country is one of the most developed nations in Asia. Consequently, they embody the concept of capitalism and the ability of lesbians/gays to control the economy. (Holden, 2000)This implies that they have been influenced by perceptions that were only prevalent in the western world but have now trickled down to the rest of the world. The Japanese social climate is a clear indication of what the world can become once it adopts influences from other cultures. There is a need to look at the difficulties of constructing a gender identity in a society that may not be open to change. This presents a new light in the queer theory owing to the fact that most of the studies made in this field reflect studies conducted in the western world with special emphasis on the United States. Consequently, the paper will bring in a different definition of the gender construction process. (Valentine, 2003)
The Japanese culture will also form a centre piece of the discussion owing to the fact that expressions of homosexuality are quite hidden from the public light. Expressions of this form of identity are restricted to private lives owing to the fact that exposing this gender identity would result in confrontation with mainstream identities yet this is not a stance that members of the gay community would like to take. In other words, one would not find depictions or performances of the queer theory through visible forms such as
- Women magazines
- Television dramas
- Fictional stories
- Talk shows
- Etc
It should therefore be noted that the Japanese culture has borrowed some identities from the western world, however, the description of these identities and the conceptualization will be different in the future. One cannot assert that gay identity will follow the same identity as it does in the western world. Consequently, the paper will attempt to predict future performances of the queer theory against the country's historical background and recent movements. (Demilio, 2003)
The paper will also be an in depth examination of some of the reasons behind the cultural and gender expressions of the queer theory in Japan. It is likely that a link will be provided between market capitalism and the queer theory in the research because Japan is a capitalist state and there must be a link between recent expressions of gender and the capitalist environment.
In close relation to this argument is the assertion that there is a link between historical emergence of capitalism and expression of gay cultures in other countries such as the US. In the US, the capitalist culture eliminated the need to for utilizing one's children in the production process. In the past, families were required to produce their own food by growing it, tailor their own clothes etc. However, with the emergence of capitalism, production was transferred from the family unit into the capitalist system. Consequently, prices of commodities began to reduce and their availability was also heightened. The family as a unit of production became irrelevant and this led to the evolution of the family unit thus creating fertile ground for the emergence of the gay community. The latter explanation largely reflects the history of the queer theory in the United States. However, there is a need to look at how capitalism is related to expressions of the queer theory in Japan or other non western cultures and this will be a central focus of the paper. (Mc Lellan, 2000)
Annotated bibliography of the references to be used
Demilio, J. (2003): Capitalism and Gay identity; a seminar paper presented to the St. Lawrence University Queer economics group, Routledge
This paper is a description of how the queer theory is related to economics and it therefore attempts to given an explanation of its prevalence within the community. The basic ideas reflected in the paper revolve around how the gay culture is compatible with the capitalist system owing to the reduced need to produce goods personally. Additionally, the paper also talks about the economic contribution of adherents of the queer theory especially with regard to certain consumer products or services created to suit their lifestyle.
The article will be useful in the research topic because it provides an insight into understanding the prevalence of the gay culture. Additionally, it will go a long way in studying the concepts of the gay culture in other non-western cultures such as Japan which are just adopting the theory.
Butler, J (2000): Extracts from Gender as Performance; Radical philosophy Ltd
The article is an examination of the definitions of gender identity and sexual identity in the world today. The author attempts to give an insight into the differences that exist between the use of sexuality as a form of feminist expression and the emphasis on expression of the sexuality as a theory on its own.
The article will be useful in clearing out the perceptions that sexual identity can be construed as part of the nom or whether it is an expression of feminism.
Holden, T. (2000): Gender and the grand narrative in Japan; Intersections of gender, History and culture in the Asian context. 3, 66, 13
The article is an examination of the expressions of gay culture in various media forms within Japan. The article also provides an insight into the perceptions of gay culture there. It will be useful to the research because it will provide an in depth account of how a different society can perceive the queer theory.
Conclusion
Contemporary feminism is now largely characterized by the queer theory. There is a need to look at how gender and sexuality are perceived and whether one should consider sexuality as a material aspect of gender or whether it is the norm. Additionally, there is need to look at the effects of globalization on the queer theory and its economic effect. All these issues will be addressed in the research with special emphasis on the Japanese culture.
Reference:
Valentine, J. (2003): Identification of Queer Japanese, Oxford University press, p 108
Mc Lellan, M. (2000); Gay men as women's ideal partners in Japanese Culture, US-Japan Women's English supplement, 17, 13, 45
Demilio, J. (2003): Capitalism and Gay identity; a seminar paper presented to the St. Lawrence University Queer economics group, Routledge
Holden, T. (2000): Gender and the grand narrative in Japan; Intersections of gender, History and culture in the Asian context. 3, 66, 13
Butler, J (2000): Extracts from Gender as Performance; Radical philosophy Ltd
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