Female Online Sex Workers’ Perceptions of Exit from Sex Work

ABSTRACT

Although the sex work industry has evolved with the emergence of internet marketing, little research examines sex workers who advertise online (i.e., online sex workers) and how their work experiences may differ from those of other sex workers who have been studied more extensively. This qualitative study addresses this gap by examining female online sex workers’ perceptions of exit from sex work. Data come from semi-structured interviews conducted in Southern California in 2014, with twenty-seven female online sex workers. Participants varied in their perceptions of exit meaning, desirability, and feasibility, and in their intentions to exit from sex work.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jesse Drucker

JESSE DRUCKER earned his Ph.D. in Sociology in 2016 from University of California at Riverside. His research focuses on sociology of crime, sex work, desistance from crime, and cyberspace.

Tanya Nieri

TANYA NIERI is an Associate Professor in the Sociology Department at University of California at Riverside (UCR). Her research interests include causes and consequences of acculturation, particularly among immigrant families and youths; youth problem behaviors, particularly substance use and violence; the role of culture in health and health disparities; and community-based prevention and health promotion interventions. Her research tends to focus on Latinos, particularly those of Mexican-heritage in the United States. At UCR, Tanya is affiliated with the Presley Center for Crime and Justice Studies, School of Public Policy and the Center for Healthy Communities, School of Medicine. Her recent work can be found in Race and Social Problems, Journal of Primary Prevention, Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, Journal of Family Issues, Journal of School Violence, Journal of International Migration and Integration, Prevention Science, and Sociological Perspectives.