Role Identity in a Devalued Occupation: The Case of Female Exotic Dancers

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Abstract
Until the present study identity theory has not been employed in the study of socially deprecated roles. In an effort to fill this lacuna, this paper examines the degree to which occupants of the role of “exotic dancer” regard their identification with the role as salient and authentic and the extent to which these constructs are associated with perceived and actual role behavior. Hypotheses addressing these theoretical questions are examined with data from a sample of forty-one female exotic dancers. The data show that feelings of authenticity for the role identity of exotic dancer were not related to time spent in the role but the salience of this role identity was moderately related to time spent in the role. These results are discussed both in the context of identity theory and some of the characteristics of the role itself. Suggestions are offered for future research using identity theory in the study of socially devalued roles.

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