I had the opportunity to attend the APALA (Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Linguistics, and Archaeology) Conference this past Saturday or should I say half of it since I could not drag myself out of bed at 8 on a weekend. The portion of the conference that I was present for was very mentally stimulating, the topics ranged from HIV/AIDs in Papua New Guinea, the Evolution of Modern Computing, and debunking Green Capitalism. However, the presentation I was quite disappointed to have missed was titled, “Massage vs Bathhouse” given by a student from Edmonton, his study was on contemporary Western bathhouses and massage studios. I gathered from speaking to some of the other attendees of the conference that this was a very interesting presentation that some found intriguing and others were unsure of. His concept was based on earlier research that had been done in this area and he wished to take up the challenge of pursuing it further. The abstract for his presentation discussed how both bathhouses and massage studios are highly sexualized environments that are open to the public, but due to their socially marginal nature, are private worlds in which identity is negotiated simultaneously with sexuality. He conducted a comparison between the two built environments and the interactions within them to shed light on how privacy is generated in these spaces and how this provides insight into different performances of sexuality. Although sex is the primary function of both environments, what is clear is that sexuality and social interaction are conducted differently based on the type of sexuality which is reflected in the structure and the in situ negotiation of sex in space.
Now, I found this description very interesting and spoke with the presenter about receiving further information via email about his research. After the conference and before the anticipated banquet at the Faculty Club, a cluster of us headed over to Louis' and I had the opportunity to learn more about the research process. I have to admit that while I attempted to remain open minded, I found it difficult to keep my opinions to myself and separate from the conversation. Though talking to this fellow academic and genuinely interested individual, I was speculative about how the women in bathhouses or massage parlours who had volunteered to be interviewed had shaped their responses. He provided me details about how the majority of the women he spoke to, do or did enjoy their work and were able to separate their physical bodies from their mental facilities. While this may be the case for some women, I felt it didn’t take into account the circumstances to which these women may have come to be in these positions, what they felt about their job and the description of how they had to focus on separating their emotions from their day to day work.
Having this discussion was interesting because the perceptions of males and females at the table differed so much. I was much more inclined to question how the data was collected and how there may have been a pressure on these women to say what was expected and almost defend what they did. In doing so, it could be perceived that they were content with these positions and that they did not struggle with being paid for sex, no matter how the interactions took place or how privately the transactions were conducted. I felt while this was a valid study, the research process may not be the most successful since the people conducting the research (primarily a male) may create a type of response from those being interviewed. Overall, it was interesting to discuss the topic and voice opinions, create an open dialogue and at times agree to disagree. The conference was full of some edgier material, methodological archaeological jargon, and in general interesting, thought-provoking presentations.
The Women's Centre has a display in the tunnel for the week (from 10am-2:30pm) for Choice Awareness. There are community resources, condoms, female condoms, lube, candies, and wonderful volunteers to answer any questions. On Thursday at 4pm, Vera Drake will be screening, the film tells the story of a working class woman in London in 1950, who goes against the mores of society and performs illegal abortions for women in need. On Friday at 3pm, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days will be screening, set in Communist Romania in the final years of the Nicolae Ceauşescu era, the film tells the story of two college roommates who have 24 hours to make the ultimate choice as they finalize arrangements to meet a black market doctor for an illegal abortion. These documentaries are very interesting and definitely worth coming to the USSU Women’s Centre, in Room 105 Memorial Union Building to see. There will be pop and popcorn provided during the screenings.
Hope to see you in the tunnel or in the Centre!
Take care
Ashley
