Theory & Philosophy

Judith Butler vs. Michel Foucault

7 snips
Mar 29, 2023
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Sex and Gender Intertwined

  • Judith Butler challenges the traditional separation of sex and gender, arguing against the idea of sex as a purely biological reality and gender as a social construct.
  • Butler suggests that our understanding of sex is always filtered through the lens of gender, making a clear distinction between the two nearly impossible.
ANECDOTE

David Page's Research

  • David Page, a scientist studying chromosomes, sought to find a biological explanation for individuals whose gender presentation didn't align with their chromosomal makeup (XX or XY).
  • His work highlights how societal gender norms can influence scientific inquiry, as Page tried to reconcile perceived deviations with biological explanations.
INSIGHT

Foucault's Repression Hypothesis

  • Michel Foucault argues against the idea of widespread sexual repression in the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Instead, he posits a growing obsession with understanding and categorizing sexuality, not for liberation, but for control and management by institutions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app