Topic 2: Different Feminist Perspectives on Sex Work

The debate over sex work has become increasingly divisive even among individuals fighting for an equal and just society for all genders. By definition, sex work is the exchange of sexual services, sexual products such as videos, or sexual performance for material compensation, majorly money. Different feminist groups view sex work differently. It is an exploitive act to some, while it is an act of empowerment and reclamation to others.

Radical feminists generally view sex work as an act that encourages patriarchy in society and enhances women’s oppression. According to these feminists, the deep-rooted patriarchy in the society encourages male privilege (Macionis and Gerber 2018, 361). Therefore, Sex work gives men the privilege and right to access women’s bodies, perpetuating female subordination. Additionally, radical feminists argue that sex work represents coercion and sexual subordination of women by men (Gerassi 2015, 80). This implies that all forms of sex work are deviant, an act of sexual violence and abuse against women. To radical feminists, all forms of commercial sex are oppressive acts that cause harm and violence to women. Therefore, the sex industry and all forms of commercial sex should be banned.

Secondly, Liberal Feminists generally view sex work as a job like any other that can be a form of self-reclamation and self-determination for women. Liberal feminists advocate for individuals’ freedom to pursue their interests, develop their talents and make their own choices (Macionis and Gerber 2018, 361). Therefore, sex work that is free from coercion represents autonomy and freedom for women. It gives women the freedom to choose the kind of work they want to do, eliminating any mandate and rules that dictate to women the kind of work they are supposed to do as these rules and directives are dangerous and patriarchal. Additionally, liberal feminists argue that sex actions and acts that women should consider intimate and the notion of intimacy should be left for women to decide (Gerassi 2015, 81). Women should have the autonomy to determine what they consider intimate and what is not. To a liberal feminist, the exchange of money for sex is similar to payment for the performance of a service, and challenges in the sector resemble sexual harassment and gender discrimination in other professions. Therefore, the state should not interfere with sex work or the sex industry whose participates are not coerced into the act.

Additionally, Socialist feminist generally views sex work as an exploitative act that depicts women as male subordinates in society. According to Socialist feminists, male domination over women stems from the social inequality in the community that puts power and wealth in the hand of a small number of men encouraging women to depend on men economically (Gerassi 2015, 80-81). Men who control sexual service exchange or buy sexual services remove women’s sexuality as they appropriate sex work. Thus, any form of commercial sex represents power taken away from women and sexual abuses against women. To socialist feminists, as long as wealth and power in society lie in few men’s hands, women will continue to depend on men economically enhancing patriarchal state in a society organised around social class.

Bibliography

Gerassi, Lara. 2015. “A heated debate: Theoretical perspectives of sexual exploitation and sex work.” Journal of sociology and social welfare 42(4): 79-100

Macionis, John J. and Gerber Linda M. 2018. Sociology. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Pearson Prentice Hall.