Student participation in the sex industry: higher education responses and staff experiences and perceptions

Abstract

This article discusses student sex workers in higher education in Wales from an institutional perspective. It investigates how student sex work is dealt with within higher education and in doing so highlights the lack of higher education policies/guidance/training to assist staff members who have experiences with students working in the sex industry. Drawing on data from The Student Sex Work Project, the research found that staff members’ knowledge on the legalities of sex work and on appropriate referral pathways is inadequate. While some institutions and some of their staff deem that student sex work would bring the reputation of the university and/or the profession for which the student is training into disrepute (necessitating disciplinary action), other institutions and staff indicated that student sex work requires an individualised approach, which can offer support in different areas. The article argues that steps need to be undertaken to make the higher education environment inclusive for all students, including those who work in the sex industry.

Keywords:

• higher education
• professionalism
• student sex work
• university reputation

Acknowledgement

We thank everyone who participated in the study.

Additional information

Funding

The work was funded by a grant from the BIG Lottery Innovation Fund.