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The Relative Quality of Sex Work

Author

Listed:
  • Cecilia Benoit

    (University of Victoria, Canada)

  • Michaela Smith

    (University of Victoria, Canada)

  • Mikael Jansson

    (University of Victoria, Canada)

  • Priscilla Healey

    (University of Victoria, Canada)

  • Douglas Magnuson

    (University of Victoria, Canada)

Abstract

This article presents descriptive findings on sex workers’ structural disadvantage and their evaluation of the quality of their work, relative to their other jobs. In-person interviews were conducted in 2013 with sex workers ( n = 218) from Canada. Participants reported they experience precarity (i.e. uncertainty and instability) in employment and other domains of their lives. Compared to the work quality of their other jobs, the majority said sex work was more satisfying and granted greater control and money. In a context of low income and instability in employment, participants make strategic choices to engage in sex work, even when contending with its low social status. The article concludes that sex work should be recognized as valuable work for Canadian sex workers, given the circumstances of their lives under contemporary capitalism. The findings indicate a need for macro-level changes to challenge precarity in the economy and other societal institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Benoit & Michaela Smith & Mikael Jansson & Priscilla Healey & Douglas Magnuson, 2021. "The Relative Quality of Sex Work," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 35(2), pages 239-255, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:35:y:2021:i:2:p:239-255
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017020936872
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Cecilia Benoit & Leah Shumka & Kate Vallance & Helga Hallgrímsdóttir & Rachel Phillips & Karen Kobayashi & Olena Hankivsky & Colleen Reid & Elana Brief, 2009. "Explaining the Health Gap Experienced by Girls and Women in Canada: A Social Determinants of Health Perspective," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 14(5), pages 1-13, November.
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    7. Abel, Gillian M., 2011. "Different stage, different performance: The protective strategy of role play on emotional health in sex work," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(7), pages 1177-1184, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nadine Gloss, 2024. "Examining Professionalisation as a Strategy for Sex Worker Empowerment and Mobilisation," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(1), pages 154-170, March.

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