So, that two week hiatus I took from blogging here? Was because I was off in Dublin presenting at the Self, Selves and Sexualities Symposium.

My panel was on “raunch culture”, hooking up’s more abstract, ideologically-focused cousin, and a continued object of obsession in the Australian media. As I indicate in the presentation, media coverage of this subject often makes me want to stab myself in the eye - mostly because I think the people doing the handwringing are usually talking about something else altogether (although what that “something else” is depends on the person doing the handwringing).

My other point of frustration when it comes to this debate is that it leaves so much out. In the presentation, I say I don’t think raunch culture is “real”. That’s not quite the case, as I quickly clarify. As a system of representations and values, I think raunch culture is totally real. It’s as a system of practice that I think things become more complicated. And it’s this gap between ideology and practice that I find so interesting.

You can read the entire paper (which also features some quotes from my fabulous thesis interviewees) here.

Also, I’ll be in Melbourne April 13-15 doing interviews for the project if anyone’s interested in taking part. I’m focusing on people aged 18-24 for this trip, and am particularly interested in speaking to people who are male, gay female, outer urban, or really into the club/bar/party scene. 18-24 is a good start though, so please fill out my survey (or drop me an email) if you have something you’d like to contribute.

Related: Great Sexpectations: my thesis so far, Vogue style
Hookup culture is mostly a myth, says Donna Freitas
Lars, loneliness and the real pillow