It’s Not Just Sex: Relational Dynamics between Street-Based Sex Workers and Their Regular Customers
File version
Author(s)
Hail-Jares, Katie
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Establishing regular customers is an integral aspect of any service industry since they can increase profits and referrals. Most research on regulars within sex work focuses on indoor, high-end workers, who cultivate them through relational work practices. Yet very little is known about whether street-based sex workers employ these same tactics or even seek out regulars. This article draws upon interviews with 36 street-based sex workers in Washington, DC, USA. Sex workers dedicate considerable time and effort in order to retain regulars via relational work, noting such customers offer greater economic stability and fewer risks. Relational work also has disadvantages, exacerbated by the illicit and illegal nature of this work. Street-based sex workers navigate boundary setting and slippage as a part of retaining or rejecting regular clients. These findings have implications for policies that can reduce harms for sex workers and enhance their protections.
Journal Title
Work, Employment and Society
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
This publication has been entered as an advanced online version in Griffith Research Online.
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Sociology
Criminology
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Oselin, SS; Hail-Jares, K, It’s Not Just Sex: Relational Dynamics between Street-Based Sex Workers and Their Regular Customers, Work, Employment and Society