The private life of sex workers: dilemmas of working class women

Abstract

This paper examines how affective and sexual relations, economic issues, and the professional life are articulated by sex workers. Through the observation of their experiences and narratives about personal relationships, before and after starting sex work, their life and dilemmas become closer to those of other women, specifically Brazilian women from lower classes. Issues and tensions of gender, maternity, and conjugality are analyzed; as well as the specificities in romantic relationships created by sex work and romantic involvements between sex workers and clients. Intersected by these themes are connections concerning emotions, sexuality, money and labor.