A Trade like Any Other

Female Singers and Dancers in Egypt

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book A Trade like Any Other by Karin van Nieuwkerk, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Karin van Nieuwkerk ISBN: 9780292786806
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: July 5, 2010
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Karin van Nieuwkerk
ISBN: 9780292786806
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: July 5, 2010
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

In Egypt, singing and dancing are considered essential on happy occasions. Professional entertainers often perform at weddings and other celebrations, and a host family's prestige rises with the number, expense, and fame of the entertainers they hire. Paradoxically, however, the entertainers themselves are often viewed as disreputable people and are accorded little prestige in Egyptian society.This paradox forms the starting point of Karin van Nieuwkerk's look at the Egyptian entertainment trade. She explores the lives of female performers and the reasons why work they regard as "a trade like any other" is considered disreputable in Egyptian society. In particular, she demonstrates that while male entertainers are often viewed as simply "making a living," female performers are almost always considered bad, seductive women engaged in dishonorable conduct. She traces this perception to the social definition of the female body as always and only sexual and enticing—a perception that stigmatizes women entertainers even as it simultaneously offers them a means of livelihood.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Egypt, singing and dancing are considered essential on happy occasions. Professional entertainers often perform at weddings and other celebrations, and a host family's prestige rises with the number, expense, and fame of the entertainers they hire. Paradoxically, however, the entertainers themselves are often viewed as disreputable people and are accorded little prestige in Egyptian society.This paradox forms the starting point of Karin van Nieuwkerk's look at the Egyptian entertainment trade. She explores the lives of female performers and the reasons why work they regard as "a trade like any other" is considered disreputable in Egyptian society. In particular, she demonstrates that while male entertainers are often viewed as simply "making a living," female performers are almost always considered bad, seductive women engaged in dishonorable conduct. She traces this perception to the social definition of the female body as always and only sexual and enticing—a perception that stigmatizes women entertainers even as it simultaneously offers them a means of livelihood.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book See Sam Run by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book The Law of the Heart by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Captain John H. Rogers, Texas Ranger by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Harnessing the Technicolor Rainbow by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Human Matter by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Chicano Satire by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Galveston Island, or, A Few Months off the Coast of Texas by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Evo's Bolivia by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Federalism and Regional Development by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Lone Stars III by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book From Viracocha to the Virgin of Copacabana by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Musical Ritual in Mexico City by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book A Spy in the House of Loud by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Maya Intellectual Renaissance by Karin van Nieuwkerk
Cover of the book Theorizing Art Cinemas by Karin van Nieuwkerk
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy