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Abstract

This dissertation explores the way in which young women negotiate their appearance within the Night Time Economy and the effect that has on people’s understanding of femininity. Young women's participation within the Night Time Economy has been vastly researched in terms of drunkenness and the physical harm. However, young women’s dress and appearance within the Night Time Economy widely understudied. Thus this dissertation seeks to explore the way in which young women's dress and appearance affects her participation and reception from others within the Night Time Economy and online afterwards.

Qualitative data was collected in the form of ten semi-structured interviews. This data then underwent thematic analysis. This analysis revealed that although the stereotypical hyper-sexualised look for young women was still present within the NTE, there was a new look emerging. Although it was also found that this new look was formulated under through surveillance technologies such as the male gaze, female 'othering' and guidance by clothing companies. Competition between young women was also highlighted as a participating factor in young women’s shaping young women’s outfit choices, meaning that it is now possible to question whether the concept of the 'male gaze' has become outdated and nowadays it is about young women consulting the female in the head. Or rather if she is dressing for herself and her enjoyment of her own body.

Course: Sociology - BSc (Hons) - C0315

Date Deposited: 2020-02-10

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13526.html