Conversations with Tyler Ashley Mears on Status and Beauty
Jun 3, 2020
Ashley Mears, a former fashion model and now an academic sociologist, dives into the complex relationship between status and beauty in elite social circles. She shares insights from her book, revealing how women leverage 'bodily capital' for gains in nightlife. The conversation touches on why clubgoers prioritize beauty, the unexpected dynamics of being scouted, and how beauty influences academic perceptions. Mears also reflects on her writing process, advocating for a deeper understanding of social status and economic capitulation within the glamorous party scene.
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Women as Status Symbols
- Wealthy men in clubs use beautiful women as status symbols, similar to curated entourages throughout history.
- This specific type of beauty, often tall, thin, and white, is deemed rare by the fashion modeling industry.
Club Clientele
- The men frequenting these clubs are typically young, affluent tourists or businessmen, not all economic elites.
- Older, established wealthy men like Midwestern CEOs may occasionally visit but aren't the primary clientele.
High Spenders
- Men who want to be seen with beautiful women tend to have high disposable income, often from fields like Wall Street.
- These can include younger men with quick money, recent divorcees, or those seeking business connections.
