Abstract
This article examines the social and cultural factors that influence the vulnerability of female exotic dancers to sexually transmitted infections. Results are based on a qualitative, exploratory study using observations in 10 clubs and in-depth interviews with 30 dancers in southern Ontario. The social and cultural context within which exotic dancing takes place contributes to a chronic state of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the strip clubs. Women are pressured by economics and by their customers to engage in sex for pay. The defence mechanisms that some women use to deal with these work conditions also contribute to women’s vulnerability. The social structure of strip clubs and their policies toward employees and customers can either reduce or exacerbate the vulnerability of dancers. Workplace policies and health and safety standards appear to be the most effective ways to decrease the vulnerability of dancers. Public health units can work with employers and dancers to establish workplace policies and programmes that contribute to the health and wellbeing of dancers.
Résumé
Cet article examine les facteurs socio-culturels qui influencent la vulnérabilité des danseuses exotiques aux infections transmissibles sexuellement. Les résultats sont basés sur une étude exploratoire qualitative à partir des observations recueillies dans 10 clubs et lors d’entrevues approfondies avec 30 danseuses dans le sud de l’Ontario.Le contexte socioculturel entourant la danse exotique contribue à un état chronique de harcèlement et d’agression sexuels dans les clubs de strip-tease. Des pressions d’ordre économique et de la part des clients s’exercent sur les femmes pour qu’elles acceptent des relations sexuelles en échange d’argent. Les mécanismes de défense que certaines femmes utilisent pour faire face à cette situation accentuent également leur vulnérabilité. La structure sociale des clubs de strip-tease et leurs politiques envers les employés et les clients peuvent soit réduire soit exacerber la vulnérabilité des danseuses. Les politiques en milieu de travail et les normes de santé-sécurité semblent être les moyens les plus efficaces de diminuer la vulnérabilité des danseuses. Les services de santé publique peuvent travailler avec les employeurs et les danseuses pour mettre en place des politiques et des programmes en milieu de travail qui contribuent à la santé et au bien-être de ces dernières.
Footnotes
This research was funded by the National Health Research and Development Programme, Health Canada grant # 6606-5688
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