Bodies That Matter

Synopsis

In Bodies That Matter, renowned theorist and philosopher Judith Butler argues that theories of gender need to return to the most material dimension of sex and sexuality: the body. Butler offers a brilliant reworking of the body, examining how the power of heterosexual hegemony forms the "matter" of bodies, sex, and gender. Butler argues that power operates to constrain sex from the start, delimiting what counts as a viable sex. She clarifies the notion of "performativity" introduced in Gender Trouble and via bold readings of Plato, Irigaray, Lacan, and Freud explores the meaning of a citational politics. She also draws on documentary and literature with compelling interpretations of the film Paris is Burning, Nella Larsen's Passing, and short stories by Willa Cather.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Body as a Thing

* Argues that the body is not a neutral, passive object, but rather an active, material entity that shapes our experiences and interactions with the world.
* Example: A person with a disability may experience the world differently than someone without a disability, due to the ways their bodies interact with the environment.

Chapter 2: The Body as a Project

* Explores the idea that the body is a project that we constantly shape and mold through our practices and habits.
* Example: A person who exercises regularly may develop a different physical appearance and fitness level over time.

Chapter 3: The Body as a Symbol

* Discusses how the body is used as a symbol to represent various social and cultural meanings.
* Example: The female body has often been used as a symbol of beauty and fertility.

Chapter 4: The Body as a Target

* Examines how the body becomes a target of oppression, violence, and exploitation.
* Example: People of color have historically been subjected to racial profiling and police brutality.

Chapter 5: The Body as a Site of Pleasure

* Explores the ways in which the body can be a source of pleasure and enjoyment.
* Example: A person who engages in recreational activities may experience physical and emotional well-being.

Chapter 6: The Body as a Memory

* Argues that the body holds memories of past experiences and traumas.
* Example: A person who has survived abuse may carry physical or emotional scars that serve as reminders of their experiences.

Chapter 7: The Body as a Future

* Examines the hopes and dreams that we project onto our bodies.
* Example: A person who is pregnant may envision the future of their child and the ways in which their body will change during and after the pregnancy.

Chapter 8: The Body as a Gift

* Explores the idea that the body is a gift that we receive and pass on.
* Example: A parent may see their child as an extension of their own body and a source of love and connection.

Chapter 9: The Body as a Source of Knowledge

* Argues that the body is a source of valuable knowledge about ourselves and the world around us.
* Example: A person who practices mindfulness may develop a greater understanding of their physical and emotional needs.