Can the notion of raunch culture be effectively challenged by contemporary performance makers

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is involved with whether or not contemporary performance makers can effectively challenge the notion of raunch culture. This study identifies the cultural phenomenon of raunch culture and offers an academic definition; popular feminist and academic feminist texts are used to inform this definition. The research method use is a qualitative approach. Findings from this thesis demonstrate that raunch culture is part of a constantly evolving script of narrowly defined femininity. This script is oppressive and works to control the behaviour and appearance of girls and women. It is promoted by mass media in order to lock women into the cycle of capitalist gain. Judith Butler’s theory of gender construction highlights the performative nature of gender imposed upon society through dominant discourses. Dominant discourses ensure that traditional hierarchies of power remain unchallenged and the gender matrix remains intact. The performances of GETINTHEBACKOFTHEVAN, Lucy Kirkwood, and Nic Green show that the performative nature of gender scripts can be unveiled. This thesis proposes that once the performative nature has been revealed, performance makers can challenge the notion of raunch culture but that political feminist ideas must be utilised in order to offer an effective counter strategy.