Organizing Prostitution Through Silence^Discourse: Unveiling Masks of a Masquerade. Issue 1 (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Julie L.; Canary, Heather E.
• Is Part Of: Western journal of communication. Volume 81:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Hidden Organizing -- Organizing Discourse -- Prostitution -- Silence; Oral communication -- Periodicals; 428.3
• DOI: 10.1080/10570314.2016.1216161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-0314

Abstract

Abstract : Prostitution operates as a hidden organized activity relying on covert organizing processes in order to function. This study analyzes how both talk and silence discursively construct prostitution. Data, including prostitution policies and in-depth interviews, revealed that certain participants are marked silent while others are made visible. Results are presented through a metaphor of a masquerade in order to illuminate the complexity of hidden organizing. This metaphor offers a way to examine systematic and pervasive silence(s) within hidden organizing. Implications are offered for theory and research of the discursive construction of hidden organizations.