Dr. Maren Scull uses qualitative methods to explore the areas of deviance, sexualities, gender, and social psychology. Specifically, she examines the ways in which deviant roles and statuses impact individuals’ self-conceptions and identities with a specific focus on those who engage in sexual deviance and/or sex work. Drawing from field work and in-depth interviews, Dr. Scull conducted research on male exotic dancers. In particular, she examined how the occupation influences dancers’ self-conceptions, the social stigmas they faced, and the ways in which their performances reinforced stereotypical gender roles. Currently, she is working on an in-depth interview study about women who are in mutually beneficial relationships (MBRs) with men that are often referred to as "sugar daddies." In this research, she explores the reasons women enter into these relationships, the nature of the relationships, and how they influence women’s self-views. She is also involved in a project using surveys and in-depth interviews to assess the needs of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff on college campuses.
Selected Publications
2015 "The Self-Concept as a Side Bet: How Stripping Enhances the Self-Views of Men who Dance for Women" Deviant Behavior 36(11): 890-909.
"Reinforcing Gender Roles at the Male Strip Show: A Qualitative Analysis of Men who Dance for Women (MDW)." Reprinted as "Selling Excitement: Reinforcing Gender Roles at the Male Strip Show" in Constructions of Deviance, 8th edition, edited by Patricia A. Adler and Peter Adler.
Scull, Maren T. 2013. "Reinforcing Gender Roles at the Male Strip Show: A Qualitative Analysis of Men who Dance for Women (MDW)." Deviant Behavior 34(7): 557-578.
