The Peruvian brothel as sexual dispensary and social arena

This ethnographic description of a Peruvian brothel suggests that the organization of the brothel is determined to a considerable extent by social considerations as well as sexual needs. The authors describe a temporal arrangement that provides for a separation and differential treatment of two social groupings or classes that patronize the brothel. The wealthier and older clients are provided with sexual services within a setting that might be described as a "macho theater" in which social needs are also allowed expression. The less wealthy classes are served in almost purely biological fashion and can ill-afford within this setting the "macho" practices provided to other more wealthy clients.