DRAGGING IDENTITY: A CRITICAL ETHNOGRAPHY OF NIGHTCLUB SPACE(S) Andrea M. Davis A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY August 2008 Committee: John T. Warren, Advisor Lynn A. Darby Graduate Faculty Representative Lynda Dee Dixon Lara Martin Lengel ii ABSTRACT John T. Warren, Advisor This study investigated the production of space within a nightclub that has weekly theme nights. Using critical ethnography and Butler’s theory of performativity, the researcher studied the ways in which space was created on 80s, Drag, and Goth Nights. Through participant-observation and in-depth interviews with patrons and employees at the club, the researcher argued identity performances altered the social space of the club from night-to-night and suggested the space changed through the physical things in the space and the rules associated with that space. Performativity of space, like performativity of identity, occurred not though a single performance but through the constant and consistent repetition of performances over a period of time. Specifically, the history of the space (each night building on the night before for years and years) created a stability for the nightclub that remained regardless of the individuals within it. The specific theme nights, however, did not reap the benefits of that stability. Despite the site-specific (read theme-night specific) normative performances in the space, the social space was altered through individual performances in the space as well as rules associated with the club. Through identity performances and moments in the space happening over and over again across a period of time, the researcher discovered not only the performativity of space as relates to Club North, but also the applicability of performativity to other social spaces. iii I dedicate this dissertation to my grandmothers: Claire T. (Connelly) Davis Ruth Jean (Michalek) Sausville Through different means they both inspired in me a love of learning. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I have heard many variations of “a dissertation is not written in a vacuum.” Having completed my dissertation, I cannot argue with that statement. Throughout this process many people have provided different kinds of assistance to me: a ready ear to listen to me talk through a chapter, a KITA, and sometimes a night out where I didn’t have to think about the dissertation at all. First and foremost I would like to thank my committee: Dr. Lynn Darby, Dr. Lynda Dixon, and Dr. Lara Martin Lengel. It was through their feedback, questions, and ideas shared not only in official meetings, but also standing in the hallway or over a cup of coffee that I was able to think through and eventually complete this study. I would like to especially thank my advisor, Dr. John T. Warren, without whom I would still be floundering at the proposal stage. As much as I grew to fear the phrase “this is a good start,” and as much as I grit my teeth every time he told me to “push” the ideas, I learned to appreciate those phrases as I knew that they were important benchmarks to getting to a place where he would label a chapter “good.” It is due, in great part, to his patience and his willingness to push me that I have a document of which I can be proud. My friends and colleagues in Bowling Green have made my time here memorable. In particular I thank: Nicole “FB” Schultz, Ph.D. for always, always making time to play volleyball or listen or talk no matter what else was happening; Amy Smith, Ph.D. for some of my most vivid memories of BG and having billiards abilities just below my own; Scott Gust, Ph.D. for listening to my academic arguments when they were underdeveloped and for being the only other person I know who is willing to watch and talk about nearly any sport; Jessica Nodulman and Brian Self, for wonderful discussions v (okay, and drinks); and Sandra Faulkner, Ph.D. for her patience with my transcribing time and all of her help with my job search. There are two friends in particular without whom I’d still be trying to organize this study: Maddy Cahill, Ph.D. and Angie Prater. Maddy’s abilities as a goal partner (six years and counting, I think) are unparalleled. Through her encouragement and occasional “tough love” I pushed through to-do list after to-do list. Despite the busy life of an associate (now full!) professor she made time to check in nearly every day. Angie’s understanding, warmth, and optimism helped me through this last year. What started off as Monday accountability meetings soon became an incredibly close friendship that I cherish. Finally, I would like to thank those who supported me first: my family. Long before the dissertation, graduate school, or academic job search were part of my vocabulary, they encouraged me to try things, to learn things, and most importantly to enjoy things. My colorful array of aunts, uncles, and cousins has shaped who I am and I am grateful for their love and support. I especially thank: my parents, Donna and Michael Davis for pushing me to do my best even when they didn’t understand why I wanted the Ph.D. in the first place; and my aunt, Irene Chmura, for telling me I could make it, especially on those days where I didn’t think I could, and for regularly sending me “big box of _____” that always entertained me (and always included new toothbrush heads). vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CHAPTER I. ENTERING THE SPACE(S).............................................................. 1 CHAPTER II. LEARNING THE GROUND(WORK) ................................................ 13 Review of Literature...................................................................................... 15 Space Construction ........................................................................... 16 Place ....................................................................................... 16 Space...................................................................................... 17 Public Space...................................................................................... 20 Club Space ........................................................................................ 23 Gay Club Space................................................................................. 27 Theory……... ................................................................................................ 32 Binaries & Discipline .......................................................................... 35 Queer Theory..................................................................................... 38 Heteronormativity............................................................................... 40 Identity ............................................................................................... 41 Performativity of Space...................................................................... 44 Conclusion ......................................................................................... 47 Methodology ................................................................................................ 49 Method............................................................................................... 53 Access .................................................................................... 53 Gathering Data........................................................................ 54 Analysis................................................................................... 58 vii CHAPTER III. DRAGGING IDENTITIES ................................................................ 60 Discursive Performance ............................................................................... 64 Membership – authenticity................................................................. 65 Outsiders ........................................................................................... 70 Community......................................................................................... 74 Embodied Performance................................................................................ 79 Membership - authenticity.................................................................. 80 Outsiders ........................................................................................... 85 Community......................................................................................... 92 Conclusion ................................................................................................ 96 CHAPTER IV. UNPACKING SPACE(S)................................................................. 99 Safe Space ................................................................................................ 103 Risky Space ................................................................................................ 111 Access ............................................................................................... 111 Violence............................................................................................. 114 Home Space ................................................................................................ 118 Home as positive ............................................................................... 119 Surveillance and scrutiny .................................................................. 121 Recreation Space ......................................................................................... 123 Design...............................................................................................