Date of Award
4-2001
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Timothy Diamond
Second Advisor
Dr. Paula Brush
Third Advisor
Dr. David Hartmann
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This work is an institutional ethnography on the ruling relations of clothing in society. Research was conducted through a standpoint methodology which combines interviews, participant observation and the first hand experiences of the researcher.
The interview data reveals nudists' belief in a social preoccupation with body ideals and the power structures created by some uses of clothing. The subjects in this research apply their experiences in both the clothed world and the non-clothed world to expose the implications of the social structures of clothing which appear to effect interpersonal relationships, gender and disability, inequality, prejudice and ageism.
In addition, the standpoint reveals reflexive sociology in which the experiences of being a researcher are considered as they pertain to the role of clothing in professional capacities.
Recommended Citation
Schroer, Sandra E., "Nudists in the Know: Investigating Social Assumptions of a Clothed Society" (2001). Masters Theses. 3374.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3374