What does Judith Butler suggest about gender in her framework of queer theory?

Judith Butler's contributions to queer theory center on the idea that gender is not a fixed or inherent trait, but rather something that is learned, performed, and can vary across different contexts. She argues that gender is a social construct that individuals enact through repeated performances, meaning that it can be expressed in various ways beyond traditional binary norms of masculinity and femininity.

This perspective emphasizes the fluidity of gender, recognizing that people can embody and express their gender identities in ways that challenge normative expectations. Butler's framework allows for a more inclusive understanding of gender, where a range of identities can exist and be valid. This viewpoint also aligns with the concept of intersectionality, suggesting that factors such as culture, race, and sexuality interplay with gender performance.

Other choices, such as asserting that gender is a biological given or solely determined at birth, contradict Butler's arguments by overlooking the dynamic and constructed nature of gender identity. Furthermore, the assertion that gender is not influenced by societal norms neglects the profound impact that culture and societal structures have on how gender is perceived and enacted.