Intimate Economies: Bodies, Emotions, and Sexualities on the Global Market

This book explores how intimate workers in various socio-cultural contexts negotiate the commercial use of their sexuality, identity, affect, and bodies, challenging inequality, poverty, and resource depletion. It highlights the experiences of subjects involved in intimate economies, oscillating between personal empowerment and agency and the submission to market demands.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

This captivating book delves into the intricate ways in which intimate workers across diverse socio-cultural contexts navigate the commercialization of their sexuality, identity, emotions, and bodies, ultimately challenging inequality, poverty, and resource depletion in their regions. Through comprehensive research, the studies shed light on the multifaceted experiences of individuals engaged in intimate economies, oscillating between personal empowerment and agency while also being subjected to the demands of the current market regime. This entails participation in precarious employment, often involving bodily risk, economic exploitation, and stigmatization. The contributions showcased in this book highlight the interconnectedness of market intimacy, family economies, and transnational care arrangements, challenging Western notions of the subject and the free market.

Introduction:
The field of study known as "intimate economies" explores the complex interplay between economic transactions, personal relationships, and the emotional and physical aspects of life. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including sex work, domestic work, caregiving, and volunteerism, which are often marginalized and stigmatized in society. Intimate economies are characterized by their reliance on interpersonal connections, trust, and reciprocity, as well as the often-unstable and unpredictable nature of work.

Socio-Cultural Contexts:
Intimate workers operate within diverse socio-cultural contexts, each with its own unique set of norms, values, and expectations. These contexts can influence their experiences and opportunities in the intimate economy, as well as their ability to negotiate the commercial uses of their sexuality, identity, affect, and bodies. For example, sex work is legal and regulated in some parts of the world, while it is criminalized and stigmatized in others. Similarly, domestic work is often performed by women and marginalized communities, and it is often unpaid and invisible.

Negotiation of Commercial Uses:
Intimate workers negotiate the commercial uses of their sexuality, identity, affect, and bodies in a variety of ways. They may choose to engage in sex work as a means of income generation, or they may do it out of necessity due to poverty or other social factors. In either case, they must navigate the complex web of laws, regulations, and social norms that govern their work. Intimate workers may also use their sexuality, identity, and affect to create a sense of authenticity and connection with their clients, which can enhance their sense of empowerment and agency.

Personal Empowerment and Agency:
Despite the challenges and risks associated with intimate work, many intimate workers experience personal empowerment and agency through their work. They may have the opportunity to set their own rates, choose their clients, and control their work schedules. They may also develop close relationships with their clients, which can provide a sense of validation and support. However, intimate workers must also be aware of the potential for exploitation and abuse, and they must take steps to protect themselves and their rights.

Participation in Precarious Employment:
Intimate workers are often subjected to precarious employment, which can include low wages, lack of job security, and exposure to health and safety risks. This can have significant impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as their ability to provide for themselves and their families. Intimate workers may also face discrimination and stigma from their employers, clients, and society at large, which can further exacerbate their precarious situation.

Interconnectedness of Market Intimacy, Family Economies, and Transnational Care Arrangements:
The contributions to this book demonstrate the interconnectedness of market intimacy, family economies, and transnational care arrangements. Intimate workers are often part of larger networks of care and support, which include their families, friends, and communities. These networks can provide a source of resilience and support, as well as opportunities for economic empowerment and social recognition. However, these networks can also be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, particularly in cases where workers are subjected to transnational care arrangements, such as domestic work or caregiving.

Challenging Western Notions of the Subject and the Free Market:
The studies in this book challenge Western notions of the subject and the free market. They highlight the ways in which intimate workers are subjected to the demands of the market regime, which can prioritize profits over the well-being and rights of workers. They also challenge the notion that the free market is a neutral and objective system that promotes economic growth and prosperity. Instead, they argue that the free market is shaped by a complex web of social, economic, and political factors, which can perpetuate inequality and exploitation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted experiences of intimate workers across diverse socio-cultural contexts. It highlights the ways in which they navigate the commercialization of their sexuality, identity, emotions, and bodies, while also challenging inequality, poverty, and resource depletion in their regions. The contributions demonstrate the interconnectedness of market intimacy, family economies, and transnational care arrangements, and challenge Western notions of the subject and the free market. By understanding the experiences of intimate workers, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society that recognizes and values the contributions of all workers, regardless of their occupation or background.

Weight: 379g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781349719556
Edition number: 1st ed. 2016