What process refers to the repetition through which gender becomes naturalized?

The concept of gender performativity is central to understanding how gender identities and norms are not simply inherent or biologically determined, but instead are constructed and reinforced through repeated actions and behaviors. This theory, primarily articulated by philosopher Judith Butler, posits that gender is performed based on societal expectations and norms. Such performances become normalized and are perceived as ‘natural’ through continuous repetition over time.

When individuals engage in specific behaviors associated with their gender, those behaviors contribute to the society's understanding and expectation of what it means to be that gender. These acts, rather than reflecting an internal identity, create and substantiate the gender identity itself. As a result, individuals do not merely enact a pre-existing gender identity; they actively construct and reinforce it through performative acts.

While gender performance involves the expression of gender through individual actions and behaviors, and gender socialization refers to the process whereby individuals learn the gender norms and roles of their society, gender performativity highlights the dynamic and recurring nature of how those norms become ingrained and viewed as natural over time. Gender reinforcement would pertain to the ways in which societal expectations support and perpetuate the established gender norms, but this term doesn't capture the active role of individual actions in creating those norms.

Thus, gender perform