I perform to turn you on, and if I fail, I feel I've done a poor job. (Sundahl, 1987, p. 176) (Downs, James, and Cowan 2006, 748) The work's message then become some of similarities and loss not being experienced by the social cultural experience of the dancing per se but of the fact that the individual women had lower self-esteem and limited socialization because of the isolation and lack of support they experience from their normal social network including family and friends outside the industry. (Downs, James, and Cowan 2006, 745)

As is expressed by those in other studies the work itself does not always feel demeaning, as the support networks they experience are isolated and inclusive of the lifestyle of the dancer. The culture becomes one that is expressive of only dancing, in much the same way that individuals who are in highly time intensive professions experience, such as attorneys and doctors, especially in the early years of practice, but not for lack of time simply for limited rejections associated with the stigma of their work, and the lack of knowledge about it. The "family" and social network then becomes one of a chosen network of friends who are a part of their circle, share similar attitudes and do not judge one another based on their chosen profession. This may be a circle of both dancers and patrons of the establishment where they work as well as support staff. Additionally, most...

(Lewis 1998, 51)
Religion is an issue rarely discussed, as with any mixed social group, or research concepts religion is one of the taboo subjects. Most women dancers would likely express that they experience religion in a similar pattern to how they have experienced it as they have grown up, with those experiencing religion as a conservative element in their lives, making concessions for the work they do, independently, rather than in company. Some even express the idea that their act, i.e. becoming an exotic dancer was a reaction to conservative religion and ideals as children and in so doing have been rejected by family. (Liepe-Levinson 2001, 8)

Works Cited

Benoit, Cecilia, and Frances M. Shaver. 2006. Critical Issues and New Directions in Sex Work research/Enjeux Cruciaux et Nouvelles Orientations Dans la Recherche Sur le Travail Du Sexe. The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology 43, no. 3: 243..

Downs, Daniel M., Shaan James, and Gloria Cowan. 2006. Body Objectification, Self-Esteem, and Relationship Satisfaction: A Comparison of Exotic Dancers and College Women. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research 54: 745.

Lewis, Jacqueline. 1998. Learning to Strip: The Socialization Experiences of Exotic Dancers. The Canadian Journal of Human…