In the News: Sociologist Comments on Bestseller

Staci Newmahr, assistant professor of sociology, was interviewed by USA Today for an article about the best-selling trilogy by British writer E.L. James. Newmahr, an ethnographer, often studies people and practices on the fringes of mainstream society. Her own book, Playing on the Edge: Sadomasochism, Risk and Intimacy, explores the relationships between
risk-taking, boundaries, and feelings of intimacy.

James’s trilogy, which begins with the book 50 Shades of Grey, has been widely discussed and debated. Newmahr's position is that the first book does not challenge stereotypical gender roles, and is basically a romance novel with a twist. “This is ‘Cinderella-kinky,’” Newmahr told the paper.