Dancing with dangerous desires : the performance of femininity and experiences of pleasure and danger by young black women within club spaces

McLaren, Mary Gugu Tizita

Dancing with dangerous desires : the performance of femininity and experiences of pleasure and danger by young black women within club spaces

Master Thesis

2007

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Gender Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This research was carried out in Langa Township, Cape Town and worked with 7 young black women, between the ages of 19 and 26 years old. The aim was to explore the fluidity of identity, in particular gender identity, by exploring the performance of 'normative' femininity and 'hidden/subversive' femininity performed in different spaces. The focus was on 'hidden/subversive' femininity and the experiences of pleasure and danger in clubs spaces in Cape Town. It was found that these experiences centre on appearance, use of alcohol and dancing and expose the way in which young women negotiate between the pleasurable and dangerous that, consciously or unconsciously, push the boundaries of entrenched gender norms. In addition, owing 10 the nature of the research, constructions of masculinity were also explored and discovered to have a profound impact on young women's experiences within club spaces and in their everyday lives, relating to sexual relationships. This study aims to reveal the power and agency of young women, as well as the struggles and restrictions.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (150-157).

Keywords

Gender Studies

Reference:

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Masters

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