Sex Work
As a supporter of sexual freedom, I think that women should have the choice to explore and act on their sexuality and sexual desires in any way that they feel comfortable. To openly desire women sexually is thought of as a normal part of male behavior, but for women to express their own sexuality it is considered deviant and abnormal. Because of sexism and patriarchy, oppressed women are abused, degraded, used, and stigmatized. In order to truly have sexual freedom we must, as a whole, be free from sexism. By doing this we can diminish the stigma women receive and develop an appreciation for sex work and the individuals who choose to work in this industry.
Social scientists have studied reasons why woman begin sex work and why they continue. Sex work is work that is within the sex industry. A sex worker refers to individuals in all areas of the sex industry including prostitutes, escorts, pornography models and actors, phone sex operators, and exotic dancers. The term “sex work” was invented in 1980 by sex worker activist Carol Leigh. The usage of the term “sex work” marks the beginning of a movement. It acknowledges the work done rather than being defined by status. Leigh states, “After many years of activism as a prostitute, struggling with increasing stigma and ostracism from within the mainstream feminist movement, I remember the term sex work and how it felt to, at last, have word for this work that is not a euphemism. Sex work has no shame and neither do I.” (Leigh) Much research depict these women as alcoholics and drug addicts, abused, being from broken homes, low self esteem and not possessing the skills or education to do anything else. Generally research suggests that women would only choose stripping because of desperation or poverty. Overtime social norms have broadened and more research has emerged on the women who work in the sex industry and their motivations for doing so. I would like to focus on exotic dancing for this paper.
Dancing is a
Social scientists have studied reasons why woman begin sex work and why they continue. Sex work is work that is within the sex industry. A sex worker refers to individuals in all areas of the sex industry including prostitutes, escorts, pornography models and actors, phone sex operators, and exotic dancers. The term “sex work” was invented in 1980 by sex worker activist Carol Leigh. The usage of the term “sex work” marks the beginning of a movement. It acknowledges the work done rather than being defined by status. Leigh states, “After many years of activism as a prostitute, struggling with increasing stigma and ostracism from within the mainstream feminist movement, I remember the term sex work and how it felt to, at last, have word for this work that is not a euphemism. Sex work has no shame and neither do I.” (Leigh) Much research depict these women as alcoholics and drug addicts, abused, being from broken homes, low self esteem and not possessing the skills or education to do anything else. Generally research suggests that women would only choose stripping because of desperation or poverty. Overtime social norms have broadened and more research has emerged on the women who work in the sex industry and their motivations for doing so. I would like to focus on exotic dancing for this paper.
Dancing is a
Bibliography: Frank Katherine. 2006. “Keeping her off the Pole: Creating Sexual Value in a Secular Society.” In Flesh for Fantasy: Producing and Consuming Exotic Dance, with R. Danielle Egan and M. Lisa Johnson. Thunder’s Mouth Press. Leigh, Carol. 1997. “Inventing Sex Work.” In Whores and Other Feminists, edited by Jill Nagel. New York: Routledge. Barton, Bernadette. 2006. Stripped: Inside the Lives of Exotic Dancers. New York: New York University Press. Queen, Carol. 1997. “Sex Radical Politics, Sex Positive Feminist Thought, and Whore Stigma.” In Whores and Other Feminists, edited by Jill Nagel. New York: Routledge. Sprinkle, Annie. 1997. “We’ve Come A Long Way- And Were Exhausted!” In Whores and Other Feminists, edited by Jill Nagel. New York: Routledge. Hartley, Nina. 1997. “In the Flesh: A Porn Stars Journey.” In Whores and Other Feminist, edited by Jill Nagel. New York: Routledge.