Flying as Self-Expression: Autonomy and Pole Dancing in Strip Clubs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Political battles over strip clubs’ existence are informed by research, but existing literature neglects a central component of strippers’ work. This study analyzes strippers’ pole work and heeds dancers’ calls to incorporate their voices. It provides an overview of why strippers engage in this skilled and often voluntary physical labor (drawing from social learning theory), and portrays the functions of poling utilizing concepts from the sociology of work. The study is based on ethnographic data, primarily in-depth interviews with strippers. It develops ideas in the sociology of work by demonstrating how in a non-standard work environment like strip clubs, relative autonomy allowed workers to diversify the end game or work goals despite controlling and self-alienating aspects of the job. Strippers were able to engage in what we refer to as skill optioning (making the most of their skills to leverage gains). The result was that some strippers developed the physical skill of poling and performed for more than monetary rewards; it helped give their work more meaning and enjoyment. Poling built physical capital, minimized emotional labor, developed social networks, and provided psychological benefits.