The Sex Worker and Her Pleasure

Abstract

The stereotypical view of prostitution is based on the idea that sex work destroys the woman's capability for sexual pleasure and alienates her from her sexuality. The author argues that the idea of the destructive capacity of sex work is not universally obvious. Sex workers interviewed seem to derive sexual pleasure in both commercial and private relationships. Professional sex work can be perceived as a distancing from the prostitute's own enjoyment but it can also be a channel to a more emancipated and pleasurable sex life.