A1 Journal article (refereed)
Becoming a Gamer : Performative Construction of Gendered Gamer Identities (2022)
Kivijärvi, M., & Katila, S. (2022). Becoming a Gamer : Performative Construction of Gendered Gamer Identities. Games and Culture: A Journal of Interactive Media, 17(3), 461-481. https://doi.org/10.1177/15554120211042260
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Kivijärvi, Marke; Katila, Saija
Journal or series: Games and Culture: A Journal of Interactive Media
ISSN: 1555-4120
eISSN: 1555-4139
Publication year: 2022
Volume: 17
Issue number: 3
Pages range: 461-481
Publisher: Sage Publications
Publication country: United States
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15554120211042260
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78274
Abstract
This article examines how women construct their gameplay identities in relation to the hegemonic “gamer” discourse. The article is based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with women who occupy central roles in the Finnish gaming industry. We deploy Judith Butler’s theorization of performative identity construction to examine how the women negotiate their identity in relation to the hegemonic gamer discourse, focusing on how they both embrace and resist the hegemonic, masculine constructions of gameplay. The study shows the dynamics surrounding the gamer identity. While women submit to the hegemonic gamer discourse, reproducing the masculine gamer notions to gain recognition as a viable member of the gameplay community, the study also identifies how subversive opportunities arise as the women deploy new, alternative versions of gamer identity. The hegemonic discourse is subverted through the identity position of tech-savvy, which departs from the masculine connotations.
Keywords: game sector; game industry; game culture; gendering; gender roles; social identity; performativity
Free keywords: gender; gamer identity; digital games; resistance; performativity
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- (No) space for feminism? Gender and postfeminist sensibilities in male-dominated organizations
- Kivijärvi, Marke
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 2