In the early days, gender theory was confined to academic circles, with philosopher Judith Butler emerging as a prominent figure. Butler's previous works popularized the idea of gender as a social construct, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.
One of Butler's key concepts, gender performativity, has been particularly prone to misinterpretation. Often reduced to the notion of gender as mere performance, it has led to accusations that Butler believes sex is irrelevant and that gender is a matter of choice. In reality, Butler argues that gender is performative in the sense that it is constructed through repeated actions that are socially mandated and regulated. Despite their efforts to clarify this point, Butler continues to face criticism and misrepresentation.
These concepts provoked opposition from conservatives who perceived them as challenging traditional values. Butler's latest book, "Who's Afraid of Gender?", delves into this opposition, shedding light on how conservatives have depicted gender as a destabilizing influence, thereby fueling resistance against trans rights.
The rise of the 'anti-gender ideology' movement has gained global attention. This movement is making waves, from Russia's concerns about its impact on national security to warnings from the Vatican about its threat to civilization. Butler challenges the notion that it is merely a culture war diversion. In their latest book, Butler illuminates the movement's origins, contending that it directly responds to the upheaval caused by neoliberalism.
Despite what many think, the anti-gender movement is not only about cultural differences. It stems from economic changes causing widespread uncertainty about the future. Scholars like Agnieszka Graff and Elżbieta Korolczuk noted that critics of gender are not just conservatives clinging to tradition; they are responding to the insecurity created by neoliberal policies.
In Eastern Europe, where neoliberal reforms dismantled social safety nets, traditional gender roles resurfaced amidst economic turmoil. As public services dwindled and market values permeated daily life, the family became a sanctuary, leading to a resurgence of patriarchal ideals.
Moreover, dependency on wealthy African nations for necessities has created skepticism toward selective liberal values imposed in exchange for aid. The push to tolerate certain rights overlooks fundamental needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. This selective approach perpetuates inequality and undermines the true essence of human rights.
Gender politics must oppose neoliberalism and capitalist exploitation. Instead of becoming a tool for colonization or perpetuating racism, it should foster alliances that uphold universal dignity and well-being. Gender politics seeks to build a world where everyone can succeed, not just focus on identity. In a connected world, our survival and success rely on understanding and dealing with our common weaknesses and goals.
While affirming trans rights and LGBTQ+ visibility may seem unrelated to nuclear annihilation or erasing parental roles, anti-gender movements actively target these rights and identities. In Italy, for instance, lesbian mothers are being legally sidelined, illustrating the extensive erasure of LGBTQ+ families' rights. Butler highlights the irony of conservative forces, including the Catholic Church, stripping rights from marginalized groups while claiming to protect traditional values.
Butler advocates solidarity among marginalized communities to counteract this 'moralizing sadism.' They stress the importance of forming alliances across differences to resist persecution collectively. Solidarity, as feminist Bernice Johnson Reagon coined, is not about comfort but about uniting against oppression.
RELATED ARTICLE: New Book 'Queer Newark' Unveils Untold LGBTQ+ Histories Two Decades After Sakia Gunn's Death