Judith Butler's Gender Trouble is a perfect example of creative thinking. The book redefines feminism's struggle against patriarchy as part of a much broader issue: the damaging effects of all our assumptions about gender and identity.

Looking at the factionalism of contemporary (1980s) feminism, Butler saw a movement split by identity politics. Riven by arguments over what it meant to be a women, over sexuality, and over class and race, feminism was falling prey to internal problems of identity, and was failing to move towards broader solidarity with other liberation movements such as LGBT.

Butler turned these issues on their head by questioning the basis that supposedly fundamental and fixed identities such as 'masculine/feminine' or 'straight/gay' actually have. Tracing these binary definitions back to the binary nature of human anatomy ('male/female'), she argues that there is no necessary link between our anatomies and our identities. Subjecting a wide range of evidence from philosophy, cultural theory, anthropology, psychology and anthropology to a renewed search for meaning, Butler shows both that sex (biology) and gender (identity) are separate, and that even biological sex is not simplistically either/or male/female. Separating our biology from identity then allows her to argue that, while categories such as 'masculine/feminine/straight/gay' are real, they are not necessary; rather, they are the product of society's assumptions, and the constant reproduction of those assumptions by everyone around us. That opens up some small hope for change: a hope that – 25 years after Gender Trouble's publication – is having a huge impact on societies and politics across the world.

About the Author

Dr Tim Smith-Laing took his DPhil in English literature at Merton College, Oxford, and has held positions at Jesus College, Oxford, and Sciences Po in Paris.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Quality books, speedy shipping, and great customer service! Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

J2B Holdings, LLC
13770 NOEL RD, #803600, Dallas, TX, 75240, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the AbeBooks web
sites. Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's
or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to
guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

All requests for refunds and/or returns will be processed in accordance with
AbeBooks policies. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not
as Described/Damaged) or if ...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Books ordered via expedited shipping should arrive between 2 and 7 business days after shipment confirmation. Books ordered via standard shipping should arrive between 4 and 14 business days after shipment confirmation.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 10 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 6.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.