An Exceptionally Hostile Terrain: Pathways and Barriers to Strippers’ Collective Autonomy
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This thesis investigates the complex interplay of state policies and industry practices that shape the working conditions and organizing efforts of strippers in the United States. Utilizing Martha Fineman's vulnerability theory, this study examines how legal and regulatory frameworks can aid or exacerbate the precariousness of strippers' labor, while also highlighting their resilience and agency in advocating for improved working environments and societal respect. Through detailed industry research and qualitative data analysis, the research reveals the impacts of stripper resistance and organizing, offering insights into the challenges they face and their visions for a more just and equitable future. Key findings include the identification of systemic External and Internal barriers to collective autonomy and strippers’ Active Resistance and Adaptive Resilience strategies used to resist exploitation, challenge oppression, and create new pathways for community, autonomy, and voice in the workplace.