“Corpo-inço” as a concept of resistance: relations between gender, performativity, and monstrosity in Butler and Preciado

Abstract

The relationships between gender, performativity, and monstrosity are explored in this paper based on the theories of Judith Butler and Paul B. Preciado, in conjunction with the concept of “corpo-inço”. The objective is to investigate how the concept of monstrosity, used by Preciado to critique naturalized gender normativities, relates to corpo-inço, a metaphor developed by Audrian Vinicius Cassanelli Griss to represent bodies that, like weed, resist and survive in hostile environments. The methodology involves a critical analysis of the works, highlighting the theoretical convergences between Butler's and Preciado's proposals applied to a paradigmatic case. Additionally, the reflections are expanded with contributions from Marcia Tiburi and Monique Wittig, which help deepen specific aspects of the discussion. The authors argue that sex and gender are social and historical constructs, which means we can reconsider and resignify our conceptions. Thus, the aim is to understand how these theoretical tools can help unveil gender norms. The findings indicate that the concept of corpo-inço favors an understanding that embraces different forms of existence marked by an intrinsic force of resistance, given its characteristic of existing in challenging contexts.