The psycho‐femme: Identity norm violations and the interactional dynamics of assignment

Abstract

This research examines the social category of “psycho” as it applies to women in psycho‐femme thrillers, a film genre identified in the analysis. Psycho‐femme thrillers use a female lead who is in social and psychological conflict with other film characters, who are usually women. The conflicts emanate from the female lead and focus on her behavior and social relationships. This article illuminates the importance of identity norm violations in defining the psycho‐femme and the social contextual dynamics involved in the process of assignment. Finally, the larger, symbolic importance of film characterizations of the women “psycho” is discussed. The films examined were major releases from 1992 and 1993; they involved a woman or women as the main character; the lead female, character was presented as psychologically deviant; and they were found to constitute a unique film genre.