The cabaret sex industry in the republic of cyprus: An exploratory investigation of Greek-Cypriot male cabaret patronage

Essentialist machismo practices, effectuated by masculine gender role socialization, help construct a mechanistic and limiting male sexual ethos that exploits female sexuality in sexualized work environments. A critical site for exploring the intercrossing of sexual and economic differentials is the cabaret—an intermediary of a strip club and a brothel—whereby males and females utilize their financial assets and sexual appeal, respectively, to benefit and exploit each other. In this investigation, we provide an understanding of the macro environmental contexts and micro intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that have contributed to the historical evolution of the cabaret industry in the Greek-Cypriot Republic of Cyprus. Such industry has evolved from a place of family entertainment to one of economic and sexual exploitation of Greek-Cypriot male cabaret patrons and Eastern-European sex workers respectively. Various themes are explored, such as the limiting effects of patriarchal socializing practices, male sexual anxiety, and sexual preoccupation.     

The Social Construction of Inter-Ethnic Marriages in the Greek Cypriot (GC) Republic of Cyprus: An Ethnographic Investigation of GC Male Marriages to Eastern European (EE) Females

This exploratory ethnographic investigation attempts to delve into the intrapersonal and interpersonal gender/sexual roles and marital dynamics of Greek Cypriot (GC) male marriages to Eastern European (EE) females. European Westernization and consumerism, with its increased attention on self-actualization, sexual fulfillment, material well-being, women’s rights, and men’s parental and emotional involvement, has led, over the past two decades, to a reconfiguration of the traditional GC values and beliefs concerning appropriate male and female gender/sexual roles and identities. This, in turn, has created considerable confusion over the marital roles and expectations of GC male and female partners, who seem to be waging a difficult struggle to effectively and efficiently combine Western European and GC traditional standards in their own families. Ethnographic analysis of a limited sample of 20 GC males married to EE females indicate that the former prefer EE to GC wives because of better-reported emotional, psychological, and sexual satisfaction.