Unpacking performativity: a case study of patriarchy and the elderly in China

Abstract

Purpose

To analyse the relationship between China, patriachy, ageing, and social theory grounded in Judith Butler's notion of performativity.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a novel theoretical framework to examine instances of patriachal identities by using China as a case study.

Findings

Performativity, we suggest, offers productive insights into the processes of subjection and the nature of power relations that may be usefully incorporated into studies of the elderly in China.

Research limitations/implications

This is a theoretical paper.

Practical implications

It raises questions to relationship of patriachy to understanding Chinese culture.

Originality/value

It is an original paper in that an application of Butler's conceptual tools have bot been applied elsewhere to examining China and ageing.

Citation

Powell, J. and Cook, I.G. (2006), "Unpacking performativity: a case study of patriarchy and the elderly in China", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 26 No. 7/8, pp. 277-283. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330610680371