Gender Fluidity and Subversion of Socio-Cultural Power Structures in Eugenides’ Middlesex: Exploring Performativity

Abstract

The aim of the research is to explore Eugenides’ Middlesex through the lens of Butler’s concept of performativity that focuses on gender fluidity and identity formation through the socio-cultural repeated acts. The theory of performativity investigates Butler’s idea that gender norms are constructed and sustained within the society. The theoretical application of performativity on Middlesex explores the challenges related to the conventional understanding of gender by analysing the characters as fluid-gendered identities. The research explores the ability of performative acts to both strengthen and subvert the dominant power structures by examining how the protagonist navigates and breaches socio-cultural norms, emphasizing the possibility for fundamental cultural change and resistance. The methodology used in the research is qualitative approach that focuses on the thematic analysis. The purpose of the research is to examine the subversion of gender stereotypes in Middlesex. The significance of the research is to investigate the formation of fluid-gendered identities which are regarded as unnatural entities by conventional wisdom.