Race and the Construction of Same-Sex Sex Markets in Four Chicago Neighborhoods

Type of Work

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2004

Book Title

The Sexual Organization of the City

Book Editor

Edward O. Laumann, Stephen Ellingson, Jenna Mahay, Anthony Paik, Yoosik Youm

Publisher

University of Chicago Press

City

Chicago, IL, USA

First Page

93

Last Page

123

ISBN

226470318

Abstract

Explores how race, ethnicity, and geography converge to construct sexual identities and transactional or relational same-sex markets in four neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois. Discussion begins with a look at the literature on same-sex markets in the U.S. and their components are identified, distinguishing between male same-sex and female same-sex markets. In addition, the influence of culture, institutions, and space on these markets is examined. The role of race in organizing the white gay and lesbian markets is described, and how different sexual cultures and varying levels of institutional support have resulted in distinct same-sex markets in three nonwhite neighborhoods is addressed. Male same-sex markets are organized to facilitate transactions and female same-sex markets are organized to facilitate relationships; markets are shaped by group-specific sexual cultures, the role of institutional stakeholders, racial/ethnic identity salience, and available space for same-sex market activities.

Hamilton Areas of Study

Sociology

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