Media Studies A-Level
Gender as constructed rather than essential
What Gender as constructed rather than essential means in Media Studies A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Gender as constructed rather than essential
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Gender as constructed rather than essential in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Gender is not an inner essence that produces behaviour but a performativity constituted through acts.
Topics that use Gender as constructed rather than essential
- Theories of gender performativity - Butler's ideas and theories on gender performativity (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Gender performativity
- Historical and cultural contingency of gender
- Naturalisation in media representation
- Stylisation and cultural convention
- Constructed versus naturalised gender
- Parody and hyperbolic repetition
- Repetition and citation of norms
- Repetition and the production of identity
Using Gender as constructed rather than essential in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Media Studies questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Media Studies A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge