Deborah Cameron Performing Gender Identity Summary

In the introduction of her article, “Performing Gender Identity: Young Men’s Talk and the Construction of Heterosexual Masculinity,” Deborah Cameron states that, “analysis is never done without preconceptions, we can never be absolutely non-selective in our observations, and where the object of observation and analysis has to do with gender it is extraordinarily difficult to subdue certain expectations” (Cameron 48). This statement serves as a thesis for the paper. In this statement and throughout her article, Cameron argues that preconceived notions can bias an author’s analysis of evidence, especially when the topic of the paper is a “recognizable” issue, such as gender. The prevalence of gender norms in society seems to make it nearly impossible for researchers to be unbiased. Cameron proves her claim by providing specific examples of how gender norms regarding speech presentation and conversation styles bias the works of Jennifer Coates, a notable scholar, and Danny, her student. The main source Cameron cites in this article is a paper by one of her students, Danny, titled “Wine, Women, and Sports.” This paper …show more content…
These traits are immediately recognized because of preconceived notions and the prevalence of gender norms in society. The prevalence of gender norms in society also explains why authors and researchers can be biased in their analysis of the evidence. Cameron’s use of the works of a notable scholar (Coates) strengthens her argument because she demonstrates that even a famous researcher is vulnerable to bias from preconceived notions, due to social norms. By pointing out the flaws in the works of Danny and Coates, using specific textual examples from each author, Cameron crafts a well-supported and logical argument, which supports the claim that preconceived notions can bias an author’s analysis of the