SEX WORK TOOLKIT
Understanding Sex Work
Why Sex Work?
Sex work is complex. Sex workers come from many different walks of life and reasons for participating in sex work are tremendously varied. Sex workers are of all genders and sexualities. Sex work does not discriminate against any class or ethnicity. Many assumptions are made about sex workers and their experiences that are not accurate.
There are many reasons why someone may choose sex work. Some sex workers become involved through the possibility of flexible hours and high pay, especially for those with disabilities who are excluded from normative work environments due to ableism. Some sex workers start out in one area of the industry and move into other areas in and out of sex work over time. Some sex workers find that this occupation fits well with their personalities, time available, skills, and interests.
For the vast majority of sex workers (as with any worker), the main reason for selling or trading sexual services is the simple need to earn a living to meet one’s daily needs. However, poverty – especially generational poverty – can also impact the reason people sell or trade sex, even if it’s the last thing they want to be doing.(1) Other factors include economic duress, the ongoing impacts of colonialism, systemic oppression, and limited options for work. While many sex workers choose to work in the sex industry, others are coerced or forced by external violence.
To learn more about the diversity of sex work, check out Living in Community’s online training here.
(1) McCarthy, B., Benoit, C., & Jansson, M. (2014). Sex work: A comparative study. Archives of sexual behavior, 43, 1379-1390.