Sex Work: Theory, Practice, Regulation

Sex work research has expanded to include a diversity of paid sexual encounters in various spaces, performed and purchased by individuals of different genders and sexualities. This textbook provides an comprehensive introduction to sex work in theory and practice, covering historical context, theoretical frameworks, strategies, client perspectives, health, safety, and violence, as well as regulation in the British and comparative contexts. It is essential reading for students studying sex work, gender, politics, sexuality, and the body.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Sex work research has emerged as a dynamic and expanding field of scholarship, particularly in the past decade. Initially centered on female street-based sex workers, it has broadened its scope to encompass a wide range of paid sexual encounters across various spaces, performed and purchased by individuals of diverse genders and sexual orientations. This comprehensive textbook aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to sex work, both in theory and practice.

In the introductory chapter, the book offers a historical overview of sex work, tracing its evolution and examining the social, cultural, and political factors that have shaped its practice. It then delves into the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that are essential for understanding sex work. The book explores competing feminist and queer theories, as well as key concepts such as the body, intimacy, stigma, sex, and heteronormativity. These concepts are critically examined to provide a nuanced understanding of sex work and its implications.

The second section of the book focuses on the strategies employed by sex workers when engaging in this intimate form of labor. It explores the experiences and perspectives of sex workers themselves, as well as the health, safety, and violence concerns associated with their work. The book sheds light on the challenges faced by sex workers, including discrimination, exploitation, and lack of legal protections. It also examines the client dynamics and the power relations that exist within the sex industry.

The third section of the book examines the regulation of sex work in both the British context and in a comparative perspective. It explores the legal frameworks, policies, and practices that govern sex work, and the challenges and complexities involved in their implementation. The book also discusses the globalization of the sex industry, particularly with a focus on migrant sex workers and trafficking. It raises important questions about the rights, safety, and well-being of these vulnerable individuals and the need for comprehensive policies and interventions to address their needs.

This book is an essential resource for students enrolled in courses related to sex work, gender and politics, sexuality and the body. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding sex work, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of its historical, social, and cultural dimensions. By exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of sex work, the book equips students with the tools they need to critically analyze and engage with this complex and controversial field.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138888593