This thesis explores pole-dancing fitness classes and women's identities. Examining the ways in which pole-dancing fitness is empowering and/or oppressive to women is of central importance to this thesis. The theoretical approach derives from contrasting postmodern sexuality and liberal feminist theories on sexualized western culture with radical feminist criticisms of the sexual objectification of women's bodies. In order to examine the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of the women who participate in pole- dancing fitness classes, 14 semi-structured interviews and one focus group were conducted. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis within an interpretive phenomenology perspective. This thesis argues that pole-dancing classes encompass many empowering elements that allow women, in some respects, to reclaim pole-dancing from an activity originally meant for male pleasure to one that benefits women. There still remain oppressive and exclusionary aspects to pole-dancing fitness however, and the classes can add to the objectification of women in popular culture.
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