When I was an undergraduate oh so long, long ago, I
remember seeing other students carrying Laud Humphreys
book "Tearoom Trade" which presents Humphreys'
research on anonymous "men having sex with men"
in public lavatories. I hadn't read the book but was
aware of its general content. It was only recently that
I found out that Humphreys research apparently had
the same effect in sociology (more or less) that Milgram's
and Zimbardo's had on raising ethical questions about the
conduct of research, specifically, not getting informed
consent from participants who are being observed in
public places. An article in "Inside Higher Ed" from
last year, which appeared shortly after the Larry Craig
revelation of his engagement in the tearoom trade,
provides background on Humphreys' research and
what ultimately happened to him. The story can be
read at:
http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2007/09/12/mclemee
For folks attending that convention in the Twin Cities,
never fear, info about the location of Craig's infamous
men's room will be cheerfully given; see:
http://www.twincities.com/ci_10208832
;-)
-Mike Palij
New York University
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---
To make changes to your subscription contact:
Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
