Bartky (1988) argues that women internalize the patriarchy. We are taught to see ourselves through patriarchal eyes, and therefore we discipline ourselves into performing femininity.
1. Social structures control our bodies through our minds.
Foucault argued that systems of power work to create docile bodies. This control comes through constant surveillance that eventually teaches people to police their own bodies in alignment with the function of the state. Bartky (1988) applies this concept to contemporary femininity, arguing that women are taught to internalize the patriarchy. We learn to watch our bodies and discipline ourselves into being docile.
2. Femininity requires constant self-policing.
Bartky (1988) argues that the performance of femininity requires women to discipline our bodies in terms of size, space, movement, adornment, and other aspects of feminine performance. These restrictions are not only required of all women, they are also unattainable. This keeps women constantly focused on performances of femininity.
3. Self-policing is obedience to the patriarchy.
Constant self-surveillance continually reaffirms that women's bodies serve primarily to please and excite men.
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