Poststructural Epistemology-February 26

The three readings assert that gender results in the embodiment of legacies: history and public culture.  Judith Butler discusses how western philosophical literature that defines gender must be reconsidered due, in part, to the fact that there are always new aspects of womanhood that require expression.  On the other hand, Bartky analyzes the forms in which the feminine body is adjusted, revealing that the evolution of trends and desire are in a way written on the body.  Using the literature of Foucault as a backdrop to look at the evidence of patriarchy on women's bodies as well as rebellions to the this phenomenon, Bartky argues that women's bodies are most subject to men's discipline.  She uses the imagery of the Foucault's panopticon, to reveal that women fear rebellion as a result of being constantly watched by men.  Failure to ever actually to obtain the perfect mind and body that men believe to be perfect for women, women are destined to feel a "bodily deficiency" which further strengthen men's control and abuse of women's minds and bodies.  Both authors emphasize patriarchal power to discuss how gender is created and oppression of women is justified.