Sociology of the bachelorette party
• Gender Studies
In her study titled, "Sex Symbols: The Bachelorette Party as a Window to Change in Women's Sexual Expression," published in a recent issue of the journal, Sexuality and Culture, Montemurro said the rise of bachelorette parties over the years signifies a shift in how women and their sexuality are viewed in society.
"The very existence of the bachelorette party is evidence of women's status transformation. Men had bachelor parties because they were about to be trapped in marriage. Prior to the past approximately 30 years, women did not have similar parties because it was not believed that they were giving anything up in marriage," said Montemurro. "As the sexual double standard lost some of its power and as women's rights and freedoms became more pronounced, it has become more socially acceptable for women to acknowledge that they, too, are entitled to a 'last night of freedom.' " ...
"In my observation, I watched as women howled with laughter as their bachelorette/friend was straddled by a dancer. These women seemed to find amusement in the shocked or embarrassed expression on the bride-to-be's face. The association with the stripper as a sex object (or subject) was secondary to his use as a source of humor," she said. "It seemed that women were not only mimicking the bachelor party, but that they were mocking it as well.
Comments
Posted by: Jessica | October 3, 2005 09:38 AM