LSHTM Research Online

Milton, S.; (2016) [Accepted Manuscript] ‘Becoming more of myself’: Safe sensuality, salsa and ageing. European Journal of Women\'s Studies. ISSN 1350-5068 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1350506816660992 (In Press)

Preview	Text - Accepted Version License: Download (593kB) | Preview
Preview	Text - Accepted Version License: Download (593kB) | Preview

Abstract

Ageing bodies are too often associated with invisibility or ‘active’ and ‘successful ageing’ discourses. Little research has focused on the daily and lived experiences of ageing, gender and sexuality in midlife, particularly when it comes to positive or more nuanced experiences. Based on ethnographic research in salsa classes with women in their fifties, this article explores the intersections and co-production of ageing, femininity and heterosexualities within particular spaces. Single women in midlife initially felt unsure of the ‘rules of the road’, out of place in social space. Salsa class spaces were produced as safe, alongside a ‘safe sensuality’ – which included embodying a glamorous salsa outfit but remaining respectfully feminine in ‘age appropriate’ ways. Participants navigated a way to become ‘more’ rather than ‘less’ of themselves with age, enjoying a ‘second chance’ which had not been afforded to the women of the generations before them. This article extends queer studies of space to account for ageing and for the (spatial) hierarchies embodied within heteronormativities.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty and Department:	Faculty of Public Health and Policy > Dept of Health Services Research and Policy
URI:	http://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/3029325

Available Versions of this Item

• [Accepted Manuscript] ‘Becoming more of myself’: Safe sensuality, salsa and ageing. (deposited 03 Nov 2016 09:26) [Currently Displayed]
  • ‘Becoming more of myself’: Safe sensuality, salsa and ageing. (deposited 13 Dec 2017 13:24)

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