This research analyses the stigma that is experienced by women who practice recreational pole dancing. Recreational pole dancing is a relatively new fitness trend that is based on professional pole dancing (“stripping”) that is preformed in strip clubs in exchange for goods. Although recreational pole dancing promotes exercise, strength and stamina, and is not practiced in strip clubs, it is still highly associated with strippers which are stigmatized as dirty, bad and indecent. Therefore, women who decide to practice recreational pole dancing expose themselves to negative reactions and stigmatization through the association to strippers. Nonetheless, many women choose to continue pole dancing recreationally. even after experiencing disqualification and stigmatization. This study utilizes the theoretical framework of stigma and examines how recreational pole dancers experience and manage their stigmatization. By doing so I hope to gain a better understanding on whether a discourse of resistance to patriarchal values and norms can be generated through practices that seem to perpetuate patriarchal power over women’s sexuality.
