Bridgerton
Research Paper Proposal Presentation
Description of the Topic
“Dearest Gentle Reader…”
Bridgerton is considered as one of the
wealthiest and most respected family in
the ton.
Judith Butler
Gender as a performative act…
Butler claims that we “do” gender through
our actions, rather than being gendered by
nature
Research Question
To what extent can Judith Butler’s
theory of gender performativity be
validated through the representation
of masculinity and femininity in
Bridgerton?
Hypothesis
Although Bridgerton presents its male and female characters as
independent and empowered, it ultimately validates Judith Butler’s
theory of gender performativity by showing that both masculinity
and femininity are constructed through repeated acts that conform
to societal expectations, revealing gender as a performative, rather
than identity.
Authentic Contribution
This paper contributes by applying Judith Butler’s theory
directly to the Bridgerton series, offering a new perspective on
how media representations reinforces (and subverts) historical
gender norms.
Methods, Theories and
Perspectives
Theoretical
Framework:
Judith
Butler’s Gender Performativity theory
Methods: Analysis of character
behaviors, dialogues, and interactions
across whole four seasons.
Key Terms and Concepts
Gender Performativity: A concept that explains gender as
something created repeated acts, rather than something
naturally fixed by Judith Butler.
Regency Period: A historical era in UK (1811-1820) marked by
clearly defined gender roles.
Heteronormativity: Refers to binary gender roles.
Queer: Refers to identities that do not fit into traditional
heterosexual and binary gender norms.
Innate: A quality that is naturally inborn.
Annotated Bibliographies
Annamarie Jagose - Queer Theory: This book provides a comprehensive
overview of queer theory, including heteronormativity and identity, which will
help me analyze non-normative gender performances in Bridgerton.
Bridgerton: Dating in the Regency Era: This article will provide a historical
context about societal relations and gender expectations in Regency period.
Büşra Çınar - A Performative View of Gender Roles: Judith Butler: This article
explains the Butler’s theory precisely And it helped me to understand the key
concepts of Butler’s theory.
Annotated Bibliographies
Judith Butler - Performative Acts and Gender Constitutions: Introduces the concept
of gender performativity, will be the framework of my research paper.
Mila Polderman - The Gendered Role is Gossip as Power in Bridgerton: This thesis
contirbutes my paper by showing how gossip functions as a gendered tool of power
and reinforcing gender norms in Bridgerton.
Suzy Azeharie - Feminism Perspective on Bridgerton Series: This article approaches
the series from feminist point of view. This examination will further contribute to
analyze representation of female agency and patriarchal structures.
Bibliography
Azeharie, Suzy, et al. “Feminism Perspective on Bridgerton Drama Series.” Atlantis Press, Atlantis Press, 21 Apr.
2022 https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220404.012
Butler, Judith. “Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist
Theory.” Theatre Journal, vol. 40, no. 4, Dec. 1988, pp. 519–531. The Johns Hopkins University Press
https://doi.org/10.2307/3207893
Çınar, Büşra. “A Performative View of Gender Roles: Judith Butler.” International Journal of Media Culture and
Literature, vol. 1, no. 1, 1 June 2015, pp. 153–160. DergiPark, https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/articlefile/356888
Bibliography
English Heritage. “Courting in the Ton: The Secrets of Successful Dating in Bridgerton’s Regency Era.” English
Heritage,
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/bridgerton-dating-in-the-regency-era/.
Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Jagose, Annamarie. Queer Theory an Introduction Annamarie Jagose. New York University Press, 2010.
Polderman, M. “‘We Shall Do What Women Do: We Shall Talk!’: The Gendered Role of Gossip as Power in
Bridgerton.” Radboud Educational Repository, 15 June 2024, theses.ubn.ru.nl/items/7a7741ff-a2f4-4334-9105dff0c812907b.
Thank You
Any further ideas, suggestions, and questions are welcomed
Edanaz Ateş