Performativity, Precarity And Sexual Politics

Gender performativity is one of the core concepts of Judith Butler’s work. In this paper Butler re-examines the concept of performativity and gives an account of how she became interested in the notion of precarity. Butler considers precarity as a politically induced condition in which certain populations become exposed to injury, violence and displacement. In addition, those who are exposed to precarity are also at risk of not qualifying as subjects of recognition. The author asks how is it possible to “claim a right” for those subjects who do not have the right to claim any rights, or how one must follow certain rules before attempting to change them. These issues constantly come up in the social construction of the nation-states.