Date of Award
6-2003
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Family and Consumer Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Andreas Philaretou
Second Advisor
E. Bryce Dickey
Third Advisor
Dr. Linda Dannison
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This qualitative investigation seeks to identify the sociocultural determinants and psychoemotional ramifications of essentialist gender role socialization on female employees in a sexualized work environment (SWE). Sexualized work environments incorporate work and sexuality and exist on a continuum according to the frequency and intensity of the sexual economic exchange that takes place within them. In this study, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten female employees at a comedy club to explore the social construction of female sexuality in such an environment. Subjects commented on the various advantages and disadvantages of working in a SWE as well as on general issues related to gender and self-definitions of sexuality. All of the waitresses reported employing various stereotypically female sexualized actions to increase their monetary rewards. However, they also mentioned other factors, such as, self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-confidence, and resiliency as affecting and being affected by their employment in a SWE.
Recommended Citation
Young, Christi L., "The Qualitative Investigation of the Social Construction of Female Sexuality Within a Sexualized Work Environment" (2003). Masters Theses. 4055.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4055