THE EFFECTS OF GENDER PERFORMATIVITY ON SOCIAL ACTION IN THE NOVEL GONE GIRL BY GILLIAN FLYNN

Abstract

This research analyses the effects of gender performativity on social action in the novel ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn. It aims to find out the aspects of gender performativity, and to analyse the effects of gender performativity on social action. The researcher uses Butler’s theory of gender performativity to find the aspects of gender performativity and social action theory from Weber to analyse its affects on social action. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach for a close reading to analyse the narrative and dialogues. The researcher found three aspects of gender performativity, social construction, repetitive performance, and media expectations, with repetitive performance appear as the most dominant. The results of this research shows that four types of social action, instrumentally rational, value rational, affective, and traditional, are affected by gender performativity, with repetitive performance affecting instrumentally rational most out of the fifty data. The researcher found that gender roles in this context are often used as strategic tools to gain sympathy, repeatedly influence others, and shape public perception according to gender norms. These performative actions shaped by social and media expectations, directly affect the way individuals interact, make decisions, and express emotions.