Judith Butler and the politics of protest

Abstract

In particular, there are two aspects of Butler’s theory that contribute to social movement theory: recognition and performativity. Recognition as a human need evolves out of performative acts of being recognized by others. In contrast to Honneth, Butler underlines that the recognition can be both positive and negative. People cannot escape the ascription of qualities and characteristics by others’ performative acts. New social movements are locked in the contradiction of claiming recognition in respect to prevailing norms and the intention to change these norms. Lack of recognition and at the same time challenging norms relevant for (not) granting recognition become visible as central issues of new social movements. The concept of performativity helps to explain what social movements actually do. Butler’s own political stance illustrates this ambiguity. The possibility of changing norms by resignification explains the close link of ironic performance and the goal of gaining recognition.