What This Document Is
This material represents session notes from COMM 395m: Gender, Media and Communication at the University of Southern California, dated February 25, 2016. It delves into critical theories surrounding gender performance, social discipline, and the construction of identity, particularly as they manifest within everyday interactions and broader cultural discourses. The session focuses on scholarly work examining how societal norms around femininity and masculinity are enforced, and the consequences of deviating from those norms. It also explores the complex relationship between gender, sexuality, and power dynamics.
Why This Document Matters
Students enrolled in upper-division Gender Studies, Communication, or Sociology courses will find this resource particularly valuable. It’s ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of feminist theory, queer theory, and the sociological implications of gendered language. This session’s insights are beneficial when analyzing media representations, understanding social interactions, or preparing for research projects focused on identity and social control. It’s especially helpful when grappling with concepts of normalization and resistance within social structures.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This material represents a single session’s notes and does not offer a comprehensive overview of the entire course. It builds upon prior lectures and readings, so familiarity with foundational concepts in gender and communication studies is recommended. The notes are designed to *supplement* assigned readings, not replace them. It does not provide definitive answers or a step-by-step guide to applying these theories, but rather a framework for critical thinking.
What This Document Provides
* Exploration of theoretical frameworks related to the “disciplinary practices” of gender.
* Discussion of the challenges to established understandings of resistance to gender norms.
* Analysis of how language functions as a tool for enforcing gendered expectations.
* Consideration of the fluidity of identity categories and their implications.
* Insights into the intersectional nature of gender, sexuality, and other social categories.
* A focus on the relationship between discourse, normalization, and the construction of “abnormal” identities.