Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex In Public Places

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Laud Humphreys

FROM THE FOREWORD: “…We also learn about the impact of societal definitions, even on such a secret and anonymous activity as the tearoom. Humphreys shows us that the structure of interaction there is adapted to the proscribed nature of the conduct that takes place and to the threats of the outside world (police, wise teenagers, or unsuspecting passers-by). We discover that the highly constrained interaction within the tearoom is a function not only of the desires of the participants to limit their involvement but also of stigmatization of their activity. Activity in the tearooms is organized to make what is highly stigmatized seem matter of fact and taken for granted…”

Chicago. Aldine. 1970. 199p.