Gender Performativity in Cinematic Discourse: An Analysis of Dialogue in the Movie The Drama

Authors

  • Aimen Zafar Department of English, University of Gujrat, Gujrat Author
  • Musarat Yasmin Department of English, University of Gujrat, Gujrat Author

Keywords:

Gender Performativity, Masculinity, Femininity, Film Discourse, Dialogue Analysis

Abstract

In contemporary linguistics and media studies, gender is viewed as socially constructed and performative. This study aims to analyze dialogue in the movie The Drama using Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity to examine how masculinity and femininity are socially constructed and challenged. It also examines how traditional gender roles are reinforced or resisted in cinematic discourse and how gender is performed through language. The study employs a qualitative research design and purposive sampling to analyze linguistic features such as lexical choices, speech acts, repetition, and interactional strategies in selected dialogue excerpts. The findings show that humor, dominance, and emotional suppression contribute to the construction of masculinity, while emotional openness and sensitivity contribute to the construction of femininity. However, conventional gender stereotypes are also challenged through male vulnerability and female assertiveness. The study concludes that gender in The Drama is socially constructed and performed through language and interaction, demonstrating its fluid and performative nature.

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Published

2026-07-01

How to Cite

Aimen Zafar, & Musarat Yasmin. (2026). Gender Performativity in Cinematic Discourse: An Analysis of Dialogue in the Movie The Drama. University of Chitral Journal of Linguistics and Literature, 10(I), 102-106. https://jll.uoch.edu.pk/index.php/jll/article/view/496

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