Massage parlors and “hand whores”. Some sociological observations∗

Revised version of a paper read at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Sociological Society held in Atlanta, Georgia, April 18–20, 1974.

Abstract

The “executive” massage parlor, ostensibly offering relaxation and physical therapy, may often operate as a deviant service system offering masturbation as compromise sexual gratification in competition with traditional forms of prostitution. The young women who work as masseuses, attracted by the remunerative financial opportunity, reject the occupational label and role of prostitute but are willing to assume the responsibility and self‐image of “hand whore.”

Notes

Revised version of a paper read at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Sociological Society held in Atlanta, Georgia, April 18–20, 1974.