'I'm just with the guys and we're having a laugh': Exploring normative masculinity in a lap-dancing club setting, as a heteronormative space. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colosi, Rachela
• Is Part Of: Sexualities. Volume 25:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Heteronormativity -- laddism -- lap-dancing -- masculinity; Sex -- Periodicals; Sex customs -- Periodicals; Sex (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 306.705
• DOI: 10.1177/1363460720957205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-4607

Abstract

Drawing upon findings from an ethnographic study of lap-dancing club customers, and those generated from desk-based research which examined lap-dancing club websites and promotional materials, this article will argue that the lap-dancing club is a heteronormative space, in which male customers practice normative masculinity. In exploring normative masculinity, this article will draw upon the work ofConnell (1995), to demonstrate how different normative masculine practices are evident in the different attendance patterns of lap-dancing club customers. Overall, the findings discussed in this article make two important assertions, in support of Connell's work. First, that masculinity is fluid, and context dependent; men can enact different versions of masculinity in different social spaces and situations. Second, normative masculine practices are pervasive, and encouraged, aided through heteronormative spaces such as lap-dancing clubs.