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Universi^ Micrcxilms liitemational 300 N. Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, Ml 48106 8305317 DSorio, Judith Ann NOMAD VANS AND LADY VANNERS: A CRITICAL FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF A VAN CLUB The Ohio State University Ph.D. 1982 University Microfilms I nter n £lt i 0 nsl 300 N. zeeb Road, Ann Aibor, MI 48106 Copyright 1982 by Dilorio, Judith Ann All Rights Reserved NOMAD VANS AND LADY VANNERS: A CRITICAL FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF A VAN CLUB DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Judith Ann Dilorio, B.A., M.A. ***** The Ohio State University 1982 Reading Committee: Approved By Professor Laurel Walum Richardson Professor Verta Taylor Professor Clyde W. Franklin, II Adviser Department of Sociology ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In the four years i t has taken me to complete this dissertation, numerous people have assisted me in numerous ways. Of these people, there are a special few without whose help I can sincerely say this particular product would not have been possible. Its strengths I share with them. Its weaknesses are mine alone. My parents. Pearl C. Dilorio and William N. Dilorio, provided me with unfailing love and support. They showed me the meaning of kindness to others and to despise social injustice in any form; and they taught me to believe that despite my sex, I could seek to do whatever I wanted. For these and so many other priceless gifts, I give them my love and n%y thanks. From teachers and friends, I learned much—some of which can be learned in the classroom, most of which cannot. Verta Taylor provided me with many important insights which reflected the vitality of her being and greatly improved the nature of my analysis. Clyde W. Franklin was not only the first significant teacher in ny graduate education but remained a highly valued teacher and friend throughout my graduate career. Diane Vaughan and Kathleen Shomaker believed in me so much that I could not help but believe in myself. They taught me the meaning of sisterhood. Marci A. Irey not only did a superior job of typing this manuscript but did so without complaint during what was a much longer process than she had anticipated and in the face of material she had not expected. ii But of a11 those who have helped, taught, and encouraged me, I owe a special debt of gratitude to three. Laurel W. Richardson, as mentor and as friend, has inspired me through the brilliance of her insights, the excitement of her classes and the integrity of her person. There are many sociology graduate students from Ohio State whose lives and whose understanding of sociology she has transformed and I am one of them. Timothy Diamond has taught me and nurtured me and n^y work. Those who know the beauty of him and of our relationship will see how much both have informed not only what I have said but why 1 wanted to say i t . Kerry Ames, during what must have seemed a year of constant disruptions and turmoil, both read and critiqued my work and provided me with constant emotional and social support. He not only encouraged, stroked, and fed me when I needed i t most; he did so when I needed i t le ast. Finally, I wish to thank the members of Nomad Van Club—especially Star Baby, Wild Fire, Spacy, and Wizard—who so willingly let me share their lives. I can only hope that this final product reflects the respect, appreciation, and affection which I learned to feel for you during the days we were together. m VITA March 15, 1951 ................................. Born - Wilmington, Delaware 1973 ...................................................... B.A., University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 1974 ...................................................... M.A., The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 1974-1981 ......................................... Teaching and Research Associate, Department of Sociology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 1981-1982 ......................................... Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Indiana University- Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Sociology Sociology of Gender: Professor Laurel W. Richardson Social Theory: Professor John Seidler Social Psychology: Professor Clyde W. Franklin, II Minor Field: Law IV TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................ ii VITA ................................................................................................................. iv LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................... viii Chapter I. TOWARD A CRITICAL FEMINISM ..................................................... 1 Theoretical and Methodological Problems in Gender Role Research ............................................................................................ 3 Defining and Describing Gender Roles: Ideas and Ideals Versus Behaviors and Realities .................. 6 Analyzing Gender Differences: Persons versus Si tuati o n s ........................................................................... 11 Women and the Family: Gender Roles versus Gender R e l a t i o n s ........................................................................... 16 Structural Determinism: The Imposition of Female Inferiority ....................................................................... 20 An Outline of a Critical Feminist Approach ..................... 23 Ideology, Consciousness and Structure ..................... 24 Critical Feminism and Experiential Analysis . 30 Purpose of the Present Study and the Significance of the Insignificant...................................................... 34 II. NOMAD VANS AND ME: A DESCRIPTION OF THE CLUBAND A METHODOLOGICAL ACCOUNT .............................................................. 38 Origin of the Club ....................................................................... 39 My Entry into the Club .............................................................. 41 The Members of Nomad V a n s ...................................................... 43 Doing Research while Being Friends ...................................... 52 Field Relations and Friendship Relations ................. 54 Objectivity and A ffectivity in Field Research . 63 A Night with the Club .............................................................. 69 II I. VANS, VANNERS AND VANNING: SUBCULTURAL REALITIES IN A MALE WORLD................................................................................... 76 The Van as S y m b o l ....................................................................... 78 "Doing" a Van: Creativity and Individuality . 79 The Vanner and His Van: The Personification of O b je c t ................................................................................... 83 The Van and Others: Rules of R espect..................... 88 Page Pursuing a Good Time ............................................................................. 90 Gettin' Rowdy and Actin' Crazy: Rituals of D isorder.......................................................................................... 97 Being Friendly and Joking Around: Good Times and Male Interactional Forms ....................................................... 110 IV. GENDER AND SEXUALITY: MASCULINIST DIMENSIONS OF VAN CLUB CULTURE............................................................................................. 121 Modes of Masculinity and the Heterosexist Imperative . 122 Masculinity and Male Solidarity: Being a Nice G u y