Pilcher, Katy Elizabeth Mary (2012) Erotic dancing in night-time leisure venues : a sociological study of erotic dance performers and customers. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the gender and sexual politics of erotic dance, through an
ethnographic investigation of two leisure venues which provide erotic dance
entertainment for women audiences in the UK. Using the research techniques of
participant observation, qualitative interviews, visual methods, email interviews and
internet research, this thesis examines the work roles of women and men dancers,
and the interactions of women customers with dancers. In taking both a lesbian
leisure venue and a male strip show for analysis, this thesis goes further than
previous academic studies which often equate erotic dance with a male clientele base
and women performers. The key findings of the thesis are related to three central
themes. These are, firstly, the defining of both of the venues as a ‘women-only’
space by customers, and the ways in which this simultaneously both challenges and
reproduces heteronormativity. Secondly, findings in both venues point to evidence of
an erotic female ‘gaze’ being exercised by women customers. Yet I highlight how
this is at times couched in problematic post-feminist conceptions of sexual agency,
and further, how some customers articulated a critique of ‘gazing’ as objectifying
erotic dancers. I argue that male dancers do not take on a ‘sex object’ role, and
suggest that women dancers are able to exercise a gaze directed at women customers
in some instances. The third key finding, evident in dancers’ accounts of their
working experiences, suggests that their work practices are in many ways similar to
concepts of work that are used to discuss service sector labour. I argue that the
particular spaces in which dancers work is crucial to their capacity to exercise
autonomy in their work role. Overall, the thesis develops a more complex analysis of
participants’ engagement with erotic dance venues, highlighting the tensions around
exercising agency in commercial sexual encounters.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN2000 Dramatic representation. The Theater
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Striptease -- Social aspects, Sex in dance, Striptease -- Great Britain -- Case studies, Spectators
Official Date:	November 2012
Dates:	Date Event November 2012 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Sociology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Wolkowitz, Carol; Lambert, Cath
Sponsors:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Extent:	331 leaves : illustrations.
Language:	eng

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