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Does Exotic Dancing Lead to Prostitution? An Exploratory Study

NCJ Number
307331
Journal
Deviant Behavior Volume: 44 Issue: 1 Dated: 2023 Pages: 20-36
Author(s)
Sandy Liles; Elaine Blumberg; Jennifer Navala; Jennifer Zellner; Laura deTar; Ben Nguyen; Kristi Robusto; Norma Kelley; Cody Benedict; Sheldon Zhang; Mel Hovell
Date Published
2023
Length
17 pages
Annotation

The authors discuss their research into the risk factors leading to prostitution, with a focus on aspects of working as exotic dancers, as well as other predictors such as childhood neglect and abuse in adulthood.

Abstract

This paper reports on a study that explored contextual variables within strip clubs employing exotic dancers as well as dancers’ characteristics, as potential correlates of prostitution. Face-to-face anonymous interviews were conducted with exotic dancers in San Diego County. Logistic regression revealed that nonwhite race, allowing customer touching, illegal drug use, and number of dances per shift were significant predictors of prostitution, while childhood neglect and abuse in adulthood were near-significant. Exotic dancers may be at elevated risk for engaging in prostitution, though results warrant further quantitative research, including early intervention studies for prevention/reduction of prostitution practices and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Publisher Abstract Provided