University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The whores left behind: Black sex workers’ college navigation & loneliness

Morrow, Rayven Nicole

Content Files
MORROW-THESIS-2021.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113101

Description

Title
The whores left behind: Black sex workers’ college navigation & loneliness
Author(s)
Morrow, Rayven Nicole
Issue Date
2021-07-23
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Dixson, Adrienne Denise
Committee Member(s)
  • González Ybarra, Mónica
  • Ruedas-Gracia, Nidia
Department of Study
Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp
Discipline
Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Level
Thesis
Date of Ingest
2022-01-12T21:47:03Z
Keyword(s)
  • Black girlhood
  • Black whorehood
  • deviancy
  • Black sex workers
  • college student development
Abstract
This thesis explores how registered student organizations (RSOs), the collegiate version of K-12 extracurricular programs, designed for Black students’ enrichment and retention on college campuses may constrict, exclude, and disregard Black college sex workers and their identity. Through a Black whorehood theoretical framework, I investigate the discourses about Black girlhood, deviancy, and respectability that are found within Black RSOs which aim to give Black college students a sense of belonging on Black Exclusionary Institutions (BEIs) of Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and contribute positively to their retention and graduation rates, per Tinto’s Student Departure Theory. I find that these discourses within the making and functioning of Black RSOs perpetuate respectability politics aligned with white personhood, reinforcing an exclusionary model of an ideal Black college woman that ultimately contributes to the continued disenfranchisement of Black sex workers. I conclude with suggestions for how a Black RSO may develop programming and curricula using Black whorehood ideologies.
Graduation Semester
2021-08
Type of Resource
Thesis
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113101
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2021 Rayven Morrow

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