This book investigates the profound implications of the 'performative turn' in cultural theory for ethics and politics. The author, Molly H. Mullin, explores how the shift from textual analysis to the narration, enactment, and ritualization of the social world reshapes our understanding of subjectivity, ethics, and political possibilities. The book traces the development of the concept of performativity, particularly its roots in feminist theory, and assesses emerging critiques driven by a renewed interest in creativity. It examines how this theoretical framework impacts our understanding of social life's continuities and interruptions.

The book is positioned as a significant contribution to cultural theory, particularly concerning the concept of performativity. It is noted for its exploration of how this theoretical shift, heavily influenced by feminist scholarship, reconfigures understandings of ethics, politics, and social life. The work is recognized for its in-depth analysis of subjectivity and its potential to foster new political imaginations. By tracing the concept's development and engaging with emerging critiques, the book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of performativity's impact.