The idea of "discursive formation" originated by Michael Foucault in his book The Archaeology of Knowledge.
http://sc2218.wetpaint.com/page/Gender+Performativity%3A+The+Discursive+Reproduction+of+Masculinity
In her work, Jane Sunderland seeks to establish that the distinct speech patterns and markers of gendered speech arose from the discursive reproduction of masculinity and femininity, instead of biological differences in men and women.
According to Jane Sunderland, masculinity and femininity are not permanent or fixed, but instead, fluid in nature. Though they look solid, they are in reality constantly remade on a moment-to-moment basis. Specifically, they are discursively reproduced, through speech and language unique to both genders. Certain kinds of speech and word choices reinforce typical gender stereotypes. For example, speech markers, such as tag questions, frivolous adjectives and emotive language are often associated with female speech as opposed to male speech. This also implies a certain fluffiness, and lack of clout and authority, thus preventing whoever uses such terms from being taken seriously as an individual.
She asserts that these certain sorts of behavior and speech have come to be considered as ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ due to the social responses individuals receive when displaying these behavior and speech. Although individuals are given the freedom to experiment with new versions of representing masculinity, there is no guarantee that these new forms will be socially accepted. More often than not, they are viewed as deviant and undesirable. Hence, individuals tend to rely on the pre-existing social constructions – those which elicit positive social response and acceptance. Hence, the social stereotype of how men are expected to behave arose from the historical reproduction of certain forms of masculinity. Instead of ‘doing what comes naturally’, they’re really doing what works best for them."