Article Review: Ovulatory cycle effects on tip earnings by lap dancers
The hormonal changes in a woman during her ovulatory cycle have several effects on her daily life. The effects include alteration in the behavior patterns and sexual attractiveness. This study looked at the effects of estrus on the earnings of lap dancers. In the ovulatory cycle, estrus is the phase that is characterized by “increased female sexual receptivity, proceptivity, selectivity, and attractiveness” (Miller et al., 2007). This influences variation in perception of the women by their male counterparts. Estrus influences a woman’s sexuality in terms of her body curves among other things. The study was conducted on female lap dancers to determine the influence of estrus on their tip earnings. Lap dancing is a common business in the US. It is the legally accepted form of ‘prostitution’ though still policemen storm these clubs (Miller et al., 2007). A wide class of men visits these clubs. The lap dancer put on their under-wears or bikinis to cover their pubis. They are usually topless and dance in such a manner so as to ensure that there is intimate contact with the man (Miller et al., 2007). They may dance facing the man so that the breasts are in direct sight. Alternatively, they dance with their heads facing a way so as to expose their hips, “buttocks, back, and hair.” The dancers in their menses put on tampons so as not to reveal signs of menstruation (Miller et al., 2007). This is the common trend in most parts of the US. The males are highly sensitive to these changes, and this influences their choices.
The study involved the recruitment of 19 lap dancers. The recruitment into this study was done through “forwarded e-mails, advertisements, and flyers” (Miller et al., 2007). They were given a packet for the study containing “a consent form, a 14-page questionnaire, and instructions for the online website” (Miller et al., 2007). They were assured of confidentiality, and they were given anonymous names for the web. The participants filled the questionnaires and returned them with a copy of their ID numbers (Miller et al., 2007). Some study variables included “ethnicity, age, work experience, sexual experience and attitudes, menstrual cycle characteristics, use of contraceptives, physical characteristics, education, intelligence and personality” (Miller et al., 2007). The participants also had to log into the online website every 60 days. They were to report on their “mood, work hours, work location and tip earnings” (Miller et al., 2007). They were also to answer whether they had started their menstruation or not. The participants were promised an appreciation of US$30 for participating in the study to the end. All the participants in the study were exclusively heterosexuals (Miller et al., 2007).
The main research question that guided this study was the effects of estrus on tip earnings of the lap dancers (Miller et al., 2007). The article focuses on the effects of the variations in the ovulatory cycle on tip earnings. The effect of contraceptive pills for fertile lap dancers on their tip earnings was also considered. Available data puts forth that the fertility is high between days 9 and 15 of the ovulatory cycle. It is low around days 1 and eight during menstruation and between days 16 and 28 (Miller et al., 2007). It was believed that these phases would influence the tip earnings differently due to the effects on the mood and other facets. This would also help in the characterization of the effects of the two phases on tip earnings. The cycle was then subdivided into three categories. These were: “menstrual (days 1-5), fertile (days 9-15) and luteal (days 18-28)” (Miller et al., 2007). This was then used to determine the tip earning of each lap dancer using the online data they had provided. Two planned contrast studies were also conducted to determine “how cycle phase moderated the difference in tip earnings between normally cycling participants and pill users” (Miller et al., 2007). This was to help in studying the variability among the pill users and the non-pill users.
The study found out that estrus had an effect on tip earnings. All the lap dancers earned fewer amounts of money during their menstrual periods, and this was irrespective of whether they were on the pill or not. They all recorded a low earning during this period. The lap dancers earned relatively more money when they were on estrus. The average earning was US$354 per shift during estrus (Miller et al., 2007). This amount was higher than that earned during the luteal phase by about US$90. It was also higher than the amount earned during the menstruation by about US$170 (Miller et al., 2007). This showed that the total earning for the lap dancers were higher during estrus. Those who were using the contraceptive pills did not have “mid-cycle peaks in their tip earnings” (Miller et al., 2007). The pills function in such a manner to remove the “peak-fertility effects” on the body of the female (Miller et al., 2007). Furthermore, they induce behavioral changes that put the woman in a state of a false-pregnancy. They earned relatively less compared to the non-pill users. The relative amount earned per shift was relatively US $193 which was also totally to more than US$80 per shift (Miller et al., 2007).
They concluded that estrus had an impact on the tip earnings. It is a period characterized by high sexuality and attractiveness (Miller et al., 2007). The lap dancers, therefore, make more money during this time because they attract a higher number of clients. They are also able to enjoy the services in the VIP section thus earning much more (Miller et al., 2007). The effects of the pill are also evident. It affects the earning indirectly though not by as much as the menstrual period. Estrus period for every lap dancer remains the most profitable time.
The study considered the effect of cultural differences through its effects on the tip earnings is not shown. The ethnicity data collected was not linked with the tip earnings. It would be fascinating to investigate if the tip earning during estrus was also dependent on the ethnicity of the dancers. This is a limitation of this study. It appears that the earnings at whatever time in the ovulatory cycle remain to the same to all the dancers irrespective of their ethnicity. It could be possible that ethnicity would have an impact on the tip earnings of the dancers. This should be explored in further studies to characterize the earnings in relation to ethnicity. The variability in cultural differences may also influence the choices of the male clients. One may prefer a particular race to another, but this information is not given.
Several questions on the socio-cultural aspects of psychology remain unanswered. The fact that the effect of cultural diversity on the earnings of these lap dancers is not considers leaves one asking if the culture has any effect. The consideration of the business to be legally accepted in preference to pornography raises questions. The business in itself encourages sex in public places, which are not right largely. However, a lot of input should put on the link between the socio-cultural diversity and their influence on the tip earnings. This would help in taking the study a step further. Recommendations should also be included to make the study relevance to the society.
References
Miller, G., Tybur, J.M., & Jordan, B.D. (2007). “Ovulatory Cycle Effects on Tip Earnings by Lap Dancers: Economic Evidence for Human Estrus?” Evolution and Human Behavior, 25(2007) 375-381.
