Gender theory has traditionally assumed that individuals are born into specific genders and remain unchanged throughout their lives.
Recent studies suggest that gender identity is fluid and can be influenced by various factors such as culture, society, and personal experiences. Embodiment refers to the physical manifestation of one's self-perception and the ways in which an individual interacts with the world around them. According to embodied cognition, the body plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and others. When embodiment is understood not as fixed substance but as an ongoing negotiation of perception and language, it becomes clear that gender theory must also adapt accordingly.
One way to understand this shift is through the concept of performativity, which argues that gender is not natural or fixed but rather constructed through social interactions and performances.
A person may act or dress in a particular way that is considered masculine or feminine based on cultural expectations, which then affects how they perceive themselves as a man or woman. This suggests that gender is always in flux, constantly being negotiated and reconstructed through everyday actions and interactions.
Another approach is to consider the relationship between gender and language. Language shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, including those related to gender. By using certain linguistic forms (such as pronouns, adjectives, and verbs), we reinforce or challenge traditional gender norms.
Referring to someone as "he" instead of "she" can subtly reinforce societal expectations about what makes a man or woman. Similarly, using terms like "strong" or "aggressive" when describing men or women can perpetuate stereotypes about masculinity and femininity.
Gender theory cannot remain static if embodiment is seen as an ever-changing process. Rather than assuming individuals are born into specific genders, gender theory should recognize that gender identity is dynamic and influenced by various factors. Embodied cognition suggests that the body plays a significant role in shaping gender, while performativity emphasizes that gender is constructed through social interactions and performances. Language also plays a crucial role in shaping gender perceptions and expectations. As such, gender theory must adapt to these new understandings and continue to evolve as society changes.
What happens to gender theory when embodiment is understood not as fixed substance but as ongoing negotiation of perception and language?
The concept of "embodiment" refers to the way individuals perceive and express their physical form and identity through social interactions and cultural practices. When embodiment is viewed as an ongoing process rather than a fixed state, it challenges traditional understandings of gender, which often rely on biological essentialism and binary categories such as male/female.