Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Money, status, power, and sex in nightclubs around the world (with Ashley Mears)
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Oct 18, 2023 
Ashley Mears, a sociology professor at Boston University, dives into the intriguing world of nightclubs, exploring how social status and beauty interplay in these elite spaces. She discusses the strategic ways 'whales' buy status without seeming overt, the unique roles of promoters, and the commodification of beauty. The conversation also touches on the racial and gender dynamics at play, revealing how societal scripts shape interactions. Mears highlights the psychological highs of nightlife and the complex navigations of identity in the pursuit of power and acceptance.
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Alien in a High-End World
- Spencer Greenberg recounts feeling like an alien in high-end clubs, questioning the value proposition of expensive bottles.
- He recalls a friend, an investment banker, bragging about a "cheap" $500 night, highlighting a skewed perspective on spending.
Money's Influence
- How money is made influences how it's spent, with quick windfalls often leading to looser spending habits.
- Ashley Mears contrasts this with struggling models recruited for their beauty, adding value to the club without financial gain.
Seductive Pull of Glamour
- Ashley Mears discusses the appeal of free access to glamorous spaces, especially for financially precarious models.
- She explores the seductive pull and empowering feeling of elite inclusion, yet acknowledges potential for exploitation.
