Dreadful. I can see many young impressionable minds being swayed by it unfortunately. I'd struggle to pick out one point above any other, but the twisDreadful. I can see many young impressionable minds being swayed by it unfortunately. I'd struggle to pick out one point above any other, but the twisting of other people's words and beliefs for the purpose of creating something fitting their politics better ranks pretty highly. Hateful piece which has been well deconstructed by many feminists already. Ugh....more
Picked this up in a charity bookshop and it left me with the romantic notion of wanting to travel remote areas on horseback. Highly unlikely, but thisPicked this up in a charity bookshop and it left me with the romantic notion of wanting to travel remote areas on horseback. Highly unlikely, but this enchanting book takes me part way there....more
Adding to the increasingly substantial body of literature on this subject, Colosi takes the next appropriate step in producing an ethnographic accountAdding to the increasingly substantial body of literature on this subject, Colosi takes the next appropriate step in producing an ethnographic account of work as a lap dancer. What makes this book especially interesting is the researcher's location as a fellow lap dancer. Whilst criticisms are often made of 'going native', this is an approach which can result in more information being freely given. The research was not covert, but Colosi's positioning as 'one of us' helps produce a fuller picture of this type of work. The structure of the established dancer and the way in which they act as an arbiter of which rules can be bent and by whom is elucidated by Colosi. As is the shifting nature of a woman's relationship to the work according to other factors in her life. This is a strong ethnography, perhaps a little light on the underlying theory for my liking, but certainly worth reading for anyone working in this area....more
Marx. It's nice, like Victoria sponge, but I prefer gateaux such as Foucault and Adorno and Horkheimer. They further advance the ideas started by MarxMarx. It's nice, like Victoria sponge, but I prefer gateaux such as Foucault and Adorno and Horkheimer. They further advance the ideas started by Marx (like gateaux advances the idea of cake). Marx is naive (here ends cake metaphor), but then he was relying on historical context...ah the benefit of hindsight... Really, if you like Marx, read The Culture Industry, in Dialectic of Enlightenment, by Horkheimer and Adorno (of the Frankfurt School)....more
Given that I read this partly for preperation for a thesis, a little more on the 'why', and the relation between public perception and self-perceptionGiven that I read this partly for preperation for a thesis, a little more on the 'why', and the relation between public perception and self-perception in terms of deep analysis would have been useful, but then that's not really the point of this book. This is a memoir, and a stunningly well written one at that. It's brave to write a book on this subject area but then Niki Flynn proves time and time again that she has bravery in abundence. This is a touching account of growth which explores the ups and downs of leading a life in the fetish domain, one which tends not to shy away from the more uncomfortable moments. In this way I would say this is more than just a biography, it is a vital weapon in the arsenal of anyone wishing to prove that one does not have to be a "weirdo" or "freak" to have kinks, and I for one have used it to this end before. It explains with loving detail the thought processes behind it and I think will provide a lot of support to novice kinksters in the future. Wonderful book....more
As someone starting out on an academic career and soon to pursue a PhD involving research on the sex industry, I was delighted to read such a carefullAs someone starting out on an academic career and soon to pursue a PhD involving research on the sex industry, I was delighted to read such a carefully thought through book, covering the major questions any researcher needs to consider. Embarking on research is an intimidating prospect for anyone, let alone someone still wet behind the ears from an undergraduate degree: however having read this book, I now feel a lot more prepared and know I will be using it as a reference point through my project. O'Connell Davidson and Layder explore many aspects of research, beginning with the theoretical underpinnings concerning "common sense", positivism and qualitative research. An important point not to be missed, it is this section which makes this work particularly important for someone new to considering methodological problems and is a worthwhile addition to any module on research methods. This book not only helps a person steer their own research but allows a learning sociologist to question work by other authors in a more thorough and balanced manner.
Advancing from the basic concepts surrounding any research, there is an exploration of different types of research using different sources and a multitude of theoretical standpoints which can influence the research process. I found these standpoints to be explored in a critical, honest and balanced manner which illustrated one of the key points well; that there is no one methodological style which will fit all research projects and that decisions are always tinged by subjectivity.
The notion that it is impossible to be entirely objective as a social researcher is one of the cornerstones of this book, and it is a point that is well made throughout the entire book, allowing for a deeper understanding of the importance of triangulation and reflexivity. Ideological standpoints such as those held by feminists calling for a separate methodology and peer review system to the wider community are carefully evaluated, with a deep understanding being shown but also tempered by critique of these views. I found that in such situations the authorial voice was clear and pronounced, allowing me to understand what was the opinion of the author and enabling me to see clearly what was the view of a certain subgroup, and what was an analysis of that opinion.
Another aspect of this book that the authorial voice impacted upon was the general style and readability of the book. Whilst being incredibly informative, I still found the text easy to read and with an enjoyable sense of humour without obfuscating the meanings being conveyed. Once again I would stress that this book would be ideal for undergraduates, or even postgraduates exploring themes of reflexivity, learning to be critical of research and learning how to conduct their own. This is definitely a book that I shall recommend to others in the field of sociology, especially those making their first steps....more
Reviewing this book, I'm reminded of being sat in the pub with three lecturers at my university when I was an undergraduate a year or two ago. ConversReviewing this book, I'm reminded of being sat in the pub with three lecturers at my university when I was an undergraduate a year or two ago. Conversation was centred on the reading of sociological books and the way in which each sociologist would have a different opinion, one loving a theorist and the other hating him thinking he was completely wrong. At that point, one of the lecturers broke in, "Apart from Goffman. He's just right." To this comment, the other two merely nodded, intonating their agreement and sipping on their pints. It was then that I decided I really must read Goffman, and luckily I was not let down.
Goffman theorises from a dramaturgical angle, discussing the way in which people perceive themselves and are perceived by others. What follows is a wonderfully explained account of the way in which stigmas can affect peoples' lives. People may have stigmas such as unseen disabilities, which may allow them to "pass" for being "normal", or they may wear the badge of their stigma at all times. They may be part of a social group formed on the basis of a stigma (disability pressure groups or homosexual friendship circles) or they may feel isolated completely. A broad array of circumstances are explored and the way in which people with a stigma, or people talking to someone with a stigma, deal with these situations is detailed through the use of carefully constructed examples.
Goffman begins by outlining the concept of virtual and actual social identity: virtual identity being that which is projected to other people in a social circumstance, actual being what the person actually is, or at least perceives themselves to be. It is the disparity between a person's virtual and actual social identity which can create social situations fraught with danger and anxiety for a stigmatised person. Also of high interest was the formulation of the concepts of the primary and auxiliary traits. For example if one goes to see a doctor, their primary trait was usually that of doctor, however if (at the time of writing Stigma) the doctor had been black, that stigma would be their primary trait, overtaking their qualification.
I could not review this book as a sociologist and not mention the lack of gender equality in this book, but at the time it was written, the accepted mode of academic writing even within sociology was to refer to "he" when speaking of a person. The book is talking largely about males, yet this was a book of its time and the theories held within are still applicable to gendered situations. I consider this book of high value for feminist theory, as do most published feminists. Goffman does explicitly explain that whilst he focuses on those with disabilities for the sake of ease of explanation of his theories, all people are stigmatised at some point in their life. Depending on what is considered the social norm in a group, becoming stigmatised, even briefly, is a common event. For this reason, Stigma is especially important for sociology, as the theory expounded by Goffman is applicable to so many situations, across gender, ability, class and racialised identity....more
Having read the 1987 version of this book I felt I was viewing a snapshot of a very particular time. At the time of the printing of this edition, SoutHaving read the 1987 version of this book I felt I was viewing a snapshot of a very particular time. At the time of the printing of this edition, South Africa was in a state of turmoil, and as Donald Woods correctly pointed out, the question was not if violence would increase, but when.
This book is written in a rather propagandist time, but unusually I do say this as a means of levelling criticism. Instead, the desperation of Woods to convince the international community that it was of incredible importance to stop supporting apartheid by vetoing economic sanctions.
I quite honestly had no idea of the vast legacy left by Steve Biko - without the Black Conscious movement, who knows what might have ended up happening in South Africa. This is a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone both as a factual read and as a work of incredible humanity....more
It was entertaining, up to a point, then it got extremely repetitive. It was like Greg was trying to hypnotise me into not falling for the wrong persoIt was entertaining, up to a point, then it got extremely repetitive. It was like Greg was trying to hypnotise me into not falling for the wrong person, just through sheer repetition. Unfortunately although he does have some good points, I can't quite believe people are still writing stuff like this in these modern times. This is incredibly generalised and incredibly sexist (as much as he makes attempts to explain that away)....more
I had relatively high hopes for this book, in part because it came recommended by a friend but also in part because I was genuinely interested to learI had relatively high hopes for this book, in part because it came recommended by a friend but also in part because I was genuinely interested to learn about this fascinating subject. I have read various tomes centred on sexuality, yet had no knowledge of courtesans.
The book got off to a relatively good start, painting a picture of regency period England which I had been sadly lacking till then. Unfortunately as the narrative progressed I found myself infuriated and confused by a mish-mash of names and family lines which no doubt made perfect sense to the author, but left me feeling dazed and lost. I understand the need to show the way in which the aristocracy were all linked through family or courtesans but I can't help but think there could have been a slightly more elegant and understandable way of doing this. At first the confusion added to the early chapters, illustrating the tangled nature of relations, yet by the end I was dreading the next list of important peoples whose relations with each other I was by now supposed to have remembered.
Nonetheless The Courtesan's Revenge certainly had its good points when it wasn't listing out information. I have a rich knowledge now of the interactions of some of Britain's past élite, which were often pieced together adeptly from letters still archived today. Wilson's use of historical evidence shines in many places, bringing the period to life. All the same, I do not think I will be recommending this book in a hurry....more
Modern art critic Catherine M. here details her sexual life, both in acts and in thought, from childhood to marriage in a way which provokes more thouModern art critic Catherine M. here details her sexual life, both in acts and in thought, from childhood to marriage in a way which provokes more thought than titillation.
I can understand the frustrations of people who have read this book and found it tedious in the extreme, however coming from a background of studying sociology and focusing especially on the sexual, I found it fascinating. Catherine's level of detachment allows for a more nuanced appraisal of her own sexual experiences, bringing in things from pseudo-psychoanalysis through to postmodern concepts of space. The ability to bring all this into a book centring on her own experiences of group sex and swinging is a feat in itself.
I would urge people to restrain themselves from running their own psychological profiling on Catherine M. in favour of accepting her own perceptions and accounts. I certainly felt I got a lot from this book simply by reading with an open mind.
In short, I wouldn't recommend this to someone simply for a thrill, however I would suggest it to anybody with a deeper interest in human sexuality....more
A great book for students who need to be engaged with social theory. One of the big problems with theory modules is often a lack of understanding of tA great book for students who need to be engaged with social theory. One of the big problems with theory modules is often a lack of understanding of the real life implications of social theorising. This is what this book counters. I do take issue with some of the stances taken by Miles, especially in his description of Arodno and Horkheimer, but then this is why I feel it is a good text for core reading in a module. A tutor/lecturer can then question the analysis by the author to promote critical thinking in the students....more
I must say I feel like Ariel Levy missed the point somewhat in Female Chauvinist Pigs. It is her aim to state that the new wave of feminism is completI must say I feel like Ariel Levy missed the point somewhat in Female Chauvinist Pigs. It is her aim to state that the new wave of feminism is completely deluded, that such people are stating that we can find empowerment through the Playboy logo and flashing out nether regions. I find it interesting though that although I have come into contact with such people in my life, and plenty of them, none of them have really classed themselves as feminists. Now I know that there are some splinter groups, I know that they exist, but most people involved in saying that we need to depart (at least in some ways) from traditional second-wave feminism, but in a thoughtful manner.
One point really struck me, when Levy declared that porn stars are "giving up the most private part of their being for public consumption". Are they? Because the impression that I got was that they are having sex on camera, and that this needn't mean them bearing their soul. Yes it would feel that way for some (no doubt Ms. Levy included) but it needn't be the same for everyone.
This is where I stand, that Levy makes some interesting sounding arguments, but often based on false premises. I have only covered one area of this book, and I would hate to suggest that I disagree with everything she says, as I do not. I think there is a problem with women sometimes waving a banner of feminism without realising some of their actions compromise their situation. However overall I found Ariel Levy's arguments flawed and based upon her own normative judgements....more
My first comment would have to be that in spite of being an academic book, it is still one which anyone interested in the subject of stripping/strip cMy first comment would have to be that in spite of being an academic book, it is still one which anyone interested in the subject of stripping/strip culture could pick up and read to enjoy without any great difficulty.
One of the first things that struck me, as someone who was at the time going into research in the same field, was that the methodology was well explained and showed me in advance some tips, not to mention potential pitfalls, that I might be able to use or avoid. The information garnered from interviews was well displayed, allowing a growing picture framed by the researcher's own developing understanding of the stripping industry and her own feelings about it. This is a field which has had research produced on it, but not too much focusing on the thoughts and feelings of exotic dancers themselves. It was a refreshing change to see some created which was thoughtful and I felt displayed a balance of thought which allowed the reader to arrive at their own conclusion.
If I could improve the book, I would suggest more links to core theorists to show the ways in which the author feels they relate to wider theoretical bases outside the obvious train of thought of feminism to date. Also, I felt that the heavy labouring of the 'spiritual' element of stripping was perhaps too heavily weighted. The author clearly wants a more spiritual leaning in women's considerations of their own sexuality and I feel that this was the one area where subjectivity went too far. That said, she did give the option of a purely secular/non-spiritual sexuality which should be equally accepted, so there is only so far that I could criticise on this aspect.
All in all, a very good book which I feel anyone interested in studying, or even just casually reading about the exotic dance industry should put near the top of their 'to read' list....more
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