Deviant Behavior · 2006 · 89 citations · 38 references
Social SciencesGender StudiesSociologyFeminist TheoryPerformativity StudiesWomen's StudiesDance DramaturgyDance EthnographyFeminist PerformanceSex WorkSexual ExploitationSexual PoliticsDance PoliticsEmotionsGender Performativity In DanceGendered Emotional LaborPower In Sexual RelationsSexual Labor In PerformanceSexual PracticeTrans Sex Work
ABSTRACT The paper uses the concept strategic flirting, an aspect of emotional labor, to challenge the dichotomous view that sex work is either exploitative or empowering for exotic dancers. The findings suggest a more nuanced understanding of the advantages of sexual power and expenditures of emotional labor. Data were gleaned from interviews with 112 female dancers in several cities. Data from dancers indicate significant support for both the sexual radical/libertarian view—that she is the dominant party in the sexual transaction—and the radical feminist view that exotic dancing has detrimental consequences. Both the feminist and sociology of emotions literatures are explored for applications to the dancers' work.
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